Water faucet, spout head attached to water faucet, and water faucet assembly method

ABSTRACT

A water faucet includes a water faucet main body and a spout head detachably attached to the water faucet main body. The water faucet main body has a support column having a water path and a coupling pipe protruding in a radial direction of the support column. The spout head is attached to the water faucet main body in a state of accommodating the coupling pipe.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to water faucets and particularly to a connection structure and an attaching and detaching structure of a spout head in a water faucet.

2. Description of the Related Art

There are cases where a user has chosen a water faucet without a water purification function at the time of purchase, but afterwards the user prefers to have a water purification function. Many of commercially available water purifiers are additionally installed in the vicinity of a spout, but this type of water purifiers are often avoided because they impair the aesthetic appearance of a kitchen.

There is also a method of replacing a spout head (a tip portion of a water faucet) without a water purification function with a spout head with a water purification function (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). However, many spout heads require a special tool for replacement, and there are cases where a user hesitates to replace a spout head because of this.

Furthermore, a water faucet having a water faucet main body and a spout head (a tip portion of the water faucet) as separate parts is known. The spout head is replaceable (see Patent Document 1). For example, there are cases where a user has chosen a water faucet without a water purification function at the time of purchase, but afterwards the user prefers to replace with a spout head with a water purification function or to replace with a spout head of a new design.

Also known is a water faucet for discharging water from a tap at the tip of a tubular part extending from a water faucet main body. On the other hand, there are cases where a user has chosen a water faucet without a water purification function at the time of purchase, but afterwards the user prefers to add a water purification function. For example, Patent Document 3 describes a water purifier of a tap-direct-coupled type to be attached to a tap of a water faucet without a water purification function.

RELATED ART Patent Documents

patent document 1 Japanese Registered Utility Model No. 3127928

patent document 2 Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Publication No. H06-14259

patent document 3 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. H11-290839

In Patent Document 1, a replacement water faucet metal fitting (spout head) is connected to a flexible hose of a water faucet main body using a dedicated connection tool. In order to replace the replacement water faucet metal fitting, a certain degree of construction technique is required.

Patent Document 2 discloses a type in which a spout pipe (spout head) is inserted from above into a cylindrical part (column serving as a rotation axis) of a water faucet main body as it is, which is easier to attach and detach than the one disclosed by Patent Document 1. However, since the spout pipe rotates around the connection part, the joint part and the rotator are common. Therefore, the spout pipe may disadvantageously be difficult to rotate when a fine foreign matter enters the connection part. In particular, water falling down along the spout pipe is likely to accumulate in the joint part, and water stains or foreign matters are likely to adhere to the joint part.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made on the basis of the above-mentioned recognition of the problems, and the main object of the present invention is to provide a technique for connecting a spout head to a water faucet main body by an easily attachable and detachable structure while maintaining functionality as a water faucet.

In order to solve the above problem, a water faucet according to an aspect of the present invention includes a water faucet main body and a spout head detachably attached to the water faucet main body. The water faucet main body has a support column having a water path and a coupling pipe protruding in a radial direction of the support column. The spout head is attached to the water faucet main body in a state of accommodating a coupling pipe.

Another aspect of the present invention is a spout head. The spout head is detachably attached to a water faucet main body and is connected to the water faucet main body so as to accommodate a coupling pipe protruding from the water faucet main body.

Still another aspect of the present invention is a water faucet assembly method. This method includes: inserting, with respect to a water faucet main body including a support column having a water path and a rotator rotatably attached to the support column and having a coupling pipe protruding in a radial direction, the coupling pipe into a spout head such that an end part of the spout head faces an outer circumferential surface of the rotator; and, inserting a fastener from an insertion port extending in a circumferential direction in an outer shell of the spout head and allowing the fastener to grip the coupling pipe.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique of a water faucet that facilitates maintaining functionality as a water faucet and attaching and detaching a spout head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a water faucet according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the water faucet.

FIG. 3 is an external view of a lower part of a spout head.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the spout head.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the periphery of a buffer member.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a joining structure according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a joining structure according to a first comparative example.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the spout head without a water purification function.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a water faucet in which the spout head is attached to a water faucet main body.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a spout head having a water purification function.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a water faucet in which the spout head is attached to the water faucet main body.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the water faucet.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the water faucet.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a spout head according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a joining structure according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a joining structure according to a second comparative example.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a joining structure according to a third comparative example.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a coupling pipe.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating a joining structure of a spout head and the coupling pipe.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a spout head without a water purification function.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a water faucet in which a spout head is attached to a water faucet main body.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a spout head having a water purification function.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a water faucet in which the spout head is attached to the water faucet main body.

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a spout head according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the spout head according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a water faucet in which the spout head is attached to a water faucet main body in the third embodiment.

FIG. 27 is an enlarged perspective view of the periphery of a buffer member.

FIG. 28 is a side view of a water faucet according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of the water faucet according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view of the spout head of a water faucet according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a side view of the periphery of a protruding pipe of the water faucet according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the periphery of an energizing mechanism of the water faucet according to the fourth embodiment.

FIGS. 33A and 33B are explanatory diagrams illustrating an elastic body of the water faucet according to the fourth embodiment.

FIGS. 34A and 34B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a sliding member of the water faucet according to the fourth embodiment.

FIGS. 35A, 35B and 35C are explanatory diagrams illustrating a fastener of the water faucet according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the spout head of the water faucet according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of another spout head having a water purification function.

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of a water faucet in a state in which the other spout head of FIG. 37 is mounted.

FIG. 39 is a front view of the water faucet according to the fourth embodiment.

FIGS. 40A and 40B are schematic diagrams illustrating an operation of a check valve of the water faucet according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a side view of a water faucet according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 42 is a partial cross-sectional view of the water faucet according to the fifth embodiment along line A-A.

FIGS. 43A and 43B are perspective views of a buffer member of the water faucet according to the fifth embodiment.

FIGS. 44A and 44B are schematic diagrams of the buffer member of the water faucet according to the fifth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present inventors have obtained the following recognition concerning the conventional technique of water faucets.

1. In the case of a water faucet in which a spout head is replaceable, if a joint part between a spout head and a water faucet main body is noticeable, an overall aesthetic appearance may be impaired. Particularly, in a case where outer diameter sizes of an attachment part of the water faucet main body and the spout head are different, the joint part becomes awkward, thus there is a possibility that replacement is not preferred.

In Patent Document 1, a replacement water faucet metal fitting 1 (spout head) is connected to a flexible hose of a water faucet main body using a dedicated connection tool. Since the replacement water faucet metal fitting 1 is fitted in a connecting cylinder 6 protruding from the water faucet main body, and thus the joint part is likely to be noticeable. In a case where a spout head that can be easily replaced at home is assumed, there is a possibility that the joint part becomes even more noticeable. Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, since it is a premise that the connecting cylinder 6 and the replacement water faucet metal fitting 1 have the same outer diameter size, the shape of the replacement water faucet metal fitting 1 is restricted by the shape of the connecting cylinder 6.

Therefore, it is desirable to enable connecting a spout head to a water faucet main body by an easily attachable and detachable structure and to provide a structure in which, in particular, a joint part thereof is not noticeable.

2. As mentioned above, in the case of a water faucet in which a spout head is replaceable, if the joint part between the spout head and the water faucet main body is noticeable, an overall aesthetic appearance may be impaired.

In Patent Document 1, a replacement water faucet metal fitting 1 (spout head) is connected to a flexible hose of a water faucet main body using a dedicated connection tool. In Patent Document 1, the joint part between the connecting cylinder 6 protruding from the water faucet main body and the replacement water faucet metal fitting 1 is noticeable. In a case where a spout head that can be easily replaced at home is assumed, there is a possibility that the joint part becomes even more noticeable.

Therefore, it is further desirable to enable connecting a spout head to a water faucet main body by an easily attachable and detachable structure and to provide a structure in which, in particular, a joint part thereof is not noticeable.

3. As described above, in Patent Document 1, the replacement water faucet metal fitting 1 (spout head) is connected to the flexible hose of the water faucet main body using the dedicated connection tool. Assuming that it is carried, the replacement water faucet metal fitting 1 is required to be robust enough not to break even when dropped or hit.

Similarly, the replacement water faucet metal fitting 1 is desirably lightweight and also needs to be strong enough to withstand a load applied to the joint part with the water faucet main body. However, in Patent Document 1, no particular consideration is given to the strength of the replacement water faucet metal fitting 1 that is portable.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a structure for enhancing a spout head that can be easily attached to and detached from the faucet main body.

4. The water purifier described in Patent Document 3 is a so-called retrofitting water purifier and is structured to be attached by fitting a fastening cap for attaching an upper part of the water purifier main body onto a tip of a tap of a water faucet and screwing the upper part of the water purifier main body therein.

However, as in the water purifier described in Patent Document 3, attaching the retrofitting water purifier to the tip of the tap of the water faucet results in awkwardness in the appearance. This is not preferable from the perspective of design. Moreover, when a water purifier is attached as described above, the water purifier protrudes below the tap of the water faucet. Thus, a space between the spout of the water purifier and a sink becomes narrow, and usability is deteriorated accordingly.

In order to alleviate the awkwardness in the appearance, the entire water faucet may be replaced with a water faucet incorporating a water purification cartridge. However, expertise for replacing a water faucet or a special tool for replacement are used in order to replace the entire water faucet, and thus it is difficult for a user to easily replace the water faucet at home, and there is a problem that high cost is also required.

As described above, the conventional water faucets have room for improvement from the perspective of facilitating the work of replacing a water faucet without a water purification function with a water faucet with a water purification function and suppressing the replacement cost.

Therefore, it is desired to provide a technique of a water faucet which facilitates work of replacing a water faucet without a water purification function with a water faucet with a water purification function enables suppressing a replacement cost low.

The inventors' recognition has been explained above. Hereinafter, the contents of the present invention will be specifically described on the basis of several embodiments.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a side view of a water faucet 100 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the water faucet 100.

The water faucet 100 in the first embodiment includes a water faucet main body 112 and a spout head 106. The spout head 106 and the water faucet main body 112 are connected to each other by a structure that a general user can attach and detach. The spout head 106 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a type without a water purification function.

The water faucet main body 112 includes a spout handle 102, a rotator 104, a support column 108, and a support column cap 114. The support column 108 is fixed to a kitchen or other places and incorporates a water supply pipe 110 (see FIG. 2). The rotator 104 is installed so as to cover the support column 108. The rotator 104 rotates in the horizontal direction about the support column 108. The support column cap 114 on the rotator 104 is connected to the support column 108. The support column cap 114 positions the rotator 104 so as not to come out vertically. When a user moves the spout handle 102 on the support column cap 114 in the vertical direction, the spout handle 102 moves an operation protrusion 116 of the support column 108 back and forth, whereby a valve (not illustrated) incorporated in the support column 108 opens and closes.

A coupling pipe 118 protrudes radially from the rotator 104, preferably obliquely upward. The coupling pipe 118 is connected to the water supply pipe 110 via a water supply port 124. The spout head 106 is fixed to the rotator 104 in a state of accommodating the coupling pipe 118. As illustrated in FIG. 1, an end part of the spout head 106 abuts against a side surface part (outer circumferential surface) of the rotator 104. That is, the support column 108 and the rotator 104 abut against each other at a position where the coupling pipe 118 branches from the rotator 104, that is, a base of the coupling pipe 118. Note that in the first embodiment, the term “abut against” includes not only the case where two members are in direct contact but also the case of being in contact via an intermediate member (buffer material or the like).

In a lower part of the spout head 106, an insertion port 122 extending in the circumferential direction is formed. After inserting the coupling pipe 118 into the spout head 106 to allow the spout head 106 to abut against the rotator 104, the user inserts a fastener 120 from the insertion port 122 (see FIG. 3). The fastener 120 in the first embodiment is a clip type member (resin or other materials) having a certain level of strength and elasticity. For installing the spout head 106 to the water faucet main body 112, the coupling pipe 118 is accommodated in the spout head 106, and the spout head 106 is pushed therein until the spout head 106 abuts against the rotator 104. Next, the fastener 120 is pushed by hand from the insertion port 122. The fastener 120 grips (clamps) the coupling pipe 118 like a clip does, whereby the spout head 106 is fixed to the rotator 104. Since the fastener 120 fits snugly into the insertion port 122, the movement of the spout head 106 in the front-back direction X and the radial direction Y is regulated by the fastener 120 securely clamping the coupling pipe 118 (see FIG. 3).

For detaching the spout head 106 from the water faucet main body 112, it is only required to pull out the fastener 120 exposed from the insertion port 122 by a tool such as a flat-head screwdriver. After detaching the fastener 120, pulling out the spout head 106 by hand allows the spout head 106 to be easily removed from the water faucet main body 112.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the spout head 106.

The spout head 106 includes an outer shell 126, an inner pipe 128, a spout member 130, a straightener member 132, and a buffer member 134. The inner pipe 128 accommodates the coupling pipe 118. Tap water reaches the spout member 130 from the water supply pipe 110 via the coupling pipe 118 and the inner pipe 128 and is discharged to a sink (not illustrated) through the straightener member 132. The valve connected to the water supply pipe 110 and incorporated in the support column 108 is opened and closed by the spout handle 102 and the operation protrusion 116.

The inner pipe 128 is covered with the outer shell 126 (outer pipe). That is, the spout head 106 has a double structure formed by the inner pipe 128 and the outer shell 126. The buffer member 134 is a rubber spacer connected to an end part of the inner pipe 128 and abuts against the rotator 104 when the spout head 106 is connected thereto. In the first embodiment, the outer shell 126 of the spout head 106 does not come into direct contact with the water faucet main body 112 but abuts against the water faucet main body 112 via the buffer member 134.

A rotation shaft of the rotator 104 is the support column 108, and the spout head 106 is connected not to the support column 108 but to the coupling pipe 118 branching from the rotator 104. Therefore, even if the rotator 104 rotates frequently, this does not directly affect the connection strength between the spout head 106 and the water faucet main body 112. Similarly, attachment and detachment of the spout head 106 does not directly affect the rotating property of the rotator 104.

Since the connection structure allows the coupling pipe 118 to be extended by the spout head 106, when the spout head 106 is rotated in the horizontal direction, the turning force is transferred to the coupling pipe 118 as it is. Therefore, a rotation operation by the user is easily transferred as a turning force of the rotator 104.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the periphery of the buffer member 134.

The buffer member 134 covers an end surface of the outer shell 126 on the water faucet main body 112 side. The buffer member 134 may be a member having a higher elastic modulus than that of the outer shell 126. The buffer member 134 in the first embodiment is made of rubber. An abutting width T of an abutting surface 136 of the buffer member 134 is at least larger than the thickness of the outer shell 126. A side surface of the rotator 104 in the first embodiment has a curved surface shape (cylindrical shape), and the abutting surface 136 of the buffer member 134 is also machined into a shape matching the curved surface shape of the rotator 104. Therefore, it is possible to connect the spout head 106 and the rotator 104 to have a smooth appearance without a gap.

Furthermore, since the spout head 106 and the rotator 104 are connected via the buffer member 134 having elasticity, the spout head 106 and the water faucet main body 112 can be brought into closer contact with each other without any gap. Moreover, since the abutting surface 136 is enlarged by increasing the abutting width T, the pressure accompanying the connection tends to be dispersed, and thus connecting the spout head 106 is unlikely to result in a damage in the rotator 104.

If the buffer member 134 is not installed, the outer shell 126 directly abuts against the rotator 104. Also in this case, by enlarging the abutting surface of the outer shell 126, for example, the outer shell 126 may be thickened at the abutting surface to reduce the pressure accompanying the connection. Note that the outer shell 126 and the rotator 104 may be opposed to each other with a gap of an inconspicuous extent between the outer shell 126 and the rotator 104, for example, a gap of about 0.1 to 0.6 mm.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the joining structure in the first embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the coupling pipe 118 is provided as a part of the rotator 104, and the spout head 106 accommodates the coupling pipe 118, thereby connecting the spout head 106 and the water faucet main body 112. A boundary surface 105 between the spout head 106 and the rotator 104 is formed at the base of the coupling pipe 118.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the joining structure in a first comparative example.

FIG. 7 is a comparative example illustrating a type in which a coupling pipe 142 is provided to a spout head 140 instead of a rotator 138. A branch part 146 is formed obliquely upward on a side surface of the rotator 138. And the spout head 140 and the rotator 138 are connected by accommodating the coupling pipe 142 as a part of the spout head 140 in the branch part 146. A boundary surface 144 between the spout head 140 and the branch part 146 is formed at the tip of the branch part 146.

In the case of the first embodiment, since the connection method of covering the coupling pipe 118 with the spout head 106 is adopted, inner and outer diameters of the spout head 106 are not substantially limited. Although it is necessary that an inner diameter of the inner pipe 128 of the spout head 106 corresponds to an outer diameter of the coupling pipe 118, inner and outer diameters of the outer shell 126 accommodating the inner pipe 128 can be designed relatively freely. On the other hand, in the case of the first comparative example, unless the outer diameter of the spout head 140 is matched to the outer diameter of the branch part 146, a step is formed on the boundary surface 144. Therefore, the outer diameter of the spout head 140 is restricted to the outer diameter of the branch part 146.

In addition, in the case where the coupling pipe 118 is accommodated by the spout head 106, the surface of the rotator 104 becomes the boundary surface 105. Therefore, the boundary surface 105 is not noticeable as compared with the first comparative example. Furthermore in the case of the connection structure as in the first comparative example, the boundary surface 144 is noticeable, and thus there is a possibility that the user misunderstands that it is a type of water faucet that allows drawing out a hose by pulling the spout head 140.

In the case of the first comparative example, if a gap is formed at the boundary surface 144, foreign matters such as dust are likely to enter the branch part 146. On the contrary, even if a foreign matter enters the boundary surface 105 of the first embodiment, there is little possibility that the foreign matter enters the inside of the coupling pipe 118 or the spout head 106. This is because the spout head 106 extends obliquely upward.

Furthermore, the coupling pipe 142 in the first comparative example is a protrusion of the spout head 140. Therefore, there is a risk that the protruding part (coupling pipe 142) of the spout head 140 abruptly contacts a side surface or other parts of the rotator 138, thereby damaging the water faucet main body.

In the case of the first embodiment, even if there are some variations in the length of the coupling pipe 118, it is easy to adapt to the variations in the length by adjusting the depth of insertion of the coupling pipe 118 to the spout head 106. On the other hand, in the case of the first comparative example, the length of the coupling pipe 142 is likely to be restricted by the length of the branch part 146.

In the first embodiment, the inner pipe 128 of the spout head 106 is involved in connection with the rotator 104, but the outer shell 126 is not directly involved. Therefore, since the connection load is less likely to be applied to the outer shell 126, a material of the outer shell 126 can be selected relatively freely. For example, the outer shell 126 may be made of a metal such as brass or stainless steel, or may be made of a resin material such as ABS resin or polyacetal and plated. If the weight of the outer shell 126 can be reduced, the replacement type spout head 106 is easy to carry and is safer.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the spout head 106 without a water purification function. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a water faucet 100 a in which the spout head 106 is attached to the water faucet main body 112.

As described above, the spout head 106 has a double structure of the inner pipe 128 and the outer shell 126, and the inner pipe 128 is connected to the spout member 130 while interposing an O-ring 154. An outlet of the spout member 130 is capped by the straightener member 132. The straightener member 132 straightens flowing water from the inner pipe 128 and changes into foamed water. The end part of the spout head 106 and the abutting surface 136 of the buffer member 134 connected thereto are formed into curved surfaces matching the outer peripheral shape of the rotator 104 (see FIG. 8). In other words, the shape of the abutting surface of the spout head 106 and the curved surface shape of the rotator 104 correspond with each other. Here, “correspond” means that the shape of the abutting surface of the spout head 106 is allowed to match the curved surface shape of the rotator 104 to such an extent that no large gap, for example, a gap of 1.0 mm or more does not occur in the opposing part (joint part) between the spout head 106 and the rotator 104.

A cylindrical member 172 is screwed into the coupling pipe 118, and an O-ring 152 seals off between the inner pipe 128 and the cylindrical member 172. Another O-ring 155 seals off between the water supply port 124 and the cylindrical member 172. A coupling pipe 118 is inserted into the inner pipe 128, and the spout head 106 abuts against the rotator 104 via the buffer member 134. Still another O-ring 150 is fitted between the coupling pipe 118 and the inner pipe 128 to prevent rattling. After the coupling pipe 118 is inserted into the inner pipe 128, the fastener 120 grips the coupling pipe 118, whereby the spout head 106 is securely fixed to the coupling pipe 118.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a spout head 148 having a water purification function. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a water faucet 100 b in which the spout head 148 is attached to the water faucet main body 112.

The spout head 148 having a water purification function also has a double structure of an inner pipe 170 and an outer shell 164, and a water discharge member 160 is attached to a tip thereof. A water purification handle 162 provided to the water discharge member 160 is an operation member for switching between raw water and purified water. An end part of the spout head 148 and an abutting surface 136 of a buffer member 134 fitted therein are also formed into curved surfaces matching the outer peripheral shape of the rotator 104 (see FIG. 10).

The inner pipe 170 fits in a cartridge holder 156, and the coupling pipe 118 is inserted into the inner pipe 170. An O-ring 166 is inserted between the inner pipe 170 and the cartridge holder 156. The cartridge holder 156 further incorporates a water purification cartridge 158. When the water discharge member 160 is removed, the water purification cartridge 158 can be replaced. There is a valve 168 inside the cartridge holder 156. When the water purification cartridge 158 is set, the water purification cartridge 158 pushes the valve 168, and the inner pipe 170 and the cartridge holder 156 (water purification cartridge 158) communicate with each other. On the other hand, when the water purification cartridge 158 is removed, the valve 168 is closed by the water pressure inside the inner pipe 170. The valve 168 is a safety device for preventing water in the inner pipe 170 from being ejected from the tip of the spout head 148 when the water purification cartridge 158 is removed in the state where water is flowing.

The structure of the water faucet 100, particularly the connection structure of the spout head 106 or 148 and the water faucet main body 112, has been described mainly on the basis of the first embodiment.

According to the first embodiment, the spout head 106 or 148 can be attached to and detached from the water faucet main body 112 with a simple operation. Furthermore, the size of the outer shell 126 or 164 of the spout head 106 or 148 can be set relatively freely. Since the boundary surface 105 between the spout head 106 or 148 and the water faucet main body 112 is not noticeable, it is possible to maintain a simple design which is also replaceable. Also, since the boundary surface 105 is not a rotator, the rotational motion and the connecting operation do not affect each other.

The present invention has been described above on the basis of the first embodiment. This embodiment is merely illustration. Therefore, it should be understood by a person skilled in the art that various variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the claims of the present invention and that those variations and modifications are also within the scope of the claims of the present invention. The descriptions and drawings herein are therefore to be regarded not in a limiting sense but in an illustrative sense.

In the first embodiment, description has been given assuming replacement of the spout head 106 without a water purification function and the spout head 148 having a water purification function; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a spout head without a shower function may be replaced with a spout head having a shower function. Alternatively, spout heads having different lengths may be prepared in accordance with the size of a user's body (for example, an adult and a child). Also, like changing the mood by changing a wristband of a wristwatch, an atmosphere of a kitchen can be easily changed by replacing with a spout head of a different design even if there is no difference in functionality.

The buffer member 134 is not required to be connected to the inner pipe 128 but may be connected to the outer shell 126. Moreover, the buffer member 134 is not required to be an independent part, but may be integrally formed as a part of the inner pipe 128 or the outer shell 126.

From the above description, the following aspects of the invention is recognized.

A water faucet according to an aspect of the present invention includes a water faucet main body and a spout head detachably attached to the water faucet main body.

The water faucet main body has a support column having a water path and rotator rotatably attached to the support column and having a coupling pipe protruding in a radial direction.

The spout head is attached to the water faucet main body in a state of accommodating a coupling pipe.

Since the spout head is connected to the coupling pipe protruding in the radial direction as a part of the rotator, the turning force of the spout head is easily transferred as the turning force of the rotator as it is.

When the spout head is attached to the water faucet main body, an end part of the spout head may abut against an outer circumferential surface of the rotator. Since a branch point of the coupling pipe from the rotator can be the connecting surface between the spout head and the water faucet main body, the connection part is not noticeable, and it is easy to simplify the design of the water faucet as a whole.

The outer circumferential surface of the rotator may have a curved surface shape. The shape of a surface, of the spout head, opposing the rotator may be allowed to correspond to the curved surface shape of the rotator.

Even in a case where the outer circumferential surface of the rotator has a curved surface shape, by machining the opposing surface of the spout head into a similar shape, the connection part between the spout head and the water faucet main body becomes even more inconspicuous.

The end part of the spout head may be covered with a buffer member. The spout head may abut against the rotator via the buffer member.

Since the end part of the spout head is covered with the buffer member, it is easy to prevent the end part of the spout head from hitting a surface of the rotator to damage the rotator. Furthermore, if the buffer member is made of a soft material having a higher modulus of elasticity than that of the outer shell of the spout head, the adhesion between the spout head and the water faucet main body can be easily improved.

The spout head may have a structure in which the inner pipe forming the water supply passage is inserted into the outer shell. The inner pipe may accommodate the coupling pipe.

Since the outer shell is not directly involved in the connection between the spout head and the coupling pipe, the outer shell is less likely to be damaged. In addition, the degree of design freedom of the outer shell can be easily improved.

A spout head according to an aspect of the present invention is connected to a water faucet main body including a support column having a water path and a rotator rotatably attached to the support column and having a coupling pipe protruding in a radial direction. The end part of the spout head accommodates the coupling pipe to an extent where the end part abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the rotator and is fixed to the water faucet main body by the fastener, inserted from the insertion port extending in the circumferential direction in the outer shell, gripping the coupling pipe.

Since the spout head can be attached and detached by inserting and removing the coupling pipe to and from the spout head and inserting and removing the fastener, it is easy to replace the spout head of the water faucet main body. In addition, by inserting the fastener from the insertion port of the spout head to allow the fastener to grip the coupling pipe, it is possible to easily strengthen the connection force between the two.

A spout head according to another aspect of the present invention is connected to a water faucet main body including a support column having a water path and a rotator rotatably attached to the support column and having a coupling pipe protruding in a radial direction. The spout head has a structure in which an inner pipe forming a water supply passage is inserted into an outer shell, and the inner pipe is connected to the water faucet main body by accommodating the coupling pipe.

Since the outer shell is not directly involved in the connection between the spout head and the coupling pipe, the outer shell is less likely to be damaged. In addition, the degree of design freedom of the outer shell can be easily improved.

The end part on the side opposite to the rotator of the spout head may be covered with a buffer material.

A water faucet assembly method according to an aspect of the present invention includes: inserting, with respect to a water faucet main body including a support column having a water path and a rotator rotatably attached to the support column and having a coupling pipe protruding in a radial direction, the coupling pipe into a spout head such that an end part of the spout head faces an outer circumferential surface of the rotator; and inserting a fastener from an insertion port extending in a circumferential direction in an outer shell of the spout head and allowing the fastener to grip the coupling pipe.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 12 is a side view of a water faucet 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the water faucet 200.

The water faucet 200 in the second embodiment includes a water faucet main body 212 and a spout head 206. The spout head 206 and the water faucet main body 212 are connected to each other by an attaching and detaching structure that allows a general user to perform replacement. The spout head 206 illustrated in FIG. 12 is a type without a water purification function.

The water faucet main body 212 includes a spout handle 202, a rotator 204, a support column 208, and a support column cap 214. The support column 208 is fixed to a kitchen or other places and incorporates a water supply pipe 210 (see FIG. 13). The rotator 204 is installed so as to cover the support column 208. The rotator 204 rotates in the horizontal direction about the support column 208. The support column cap 214 on the rotator 204 is connected to the support column 208. The support column cap 214 positions the rotator 204 so as not to come out vertically. When a user moves the spout handle 202 on the support column cap 214 in the vertical direction, the spout handle 202 moves an operation protrusion 216 of the support column 208 back and forth, whereby a valve (not illustrated) incorporated in the support column 208 opens and closes.

A coupling pipe 218 protrudes radially from the rotator 204, preferably obliquely upward. The coupling pipe 218 is connected to the water supply pipe 210 via a water supply port 224. A cylindrical member 272 is further inserted into the coupling pipe 218. The spout head 206 is fixed to the rotator 204 by an attachable and detachable structure in a state of accommodating the coupling pipe 218 and the cylindrical member 272. As illustrated in FIG. 12, an end part of the spout head 206 faces a side surface part (outer circumferential surface) of the rotator 204. That is, the spout head 206 and the rotator 204 (water faucet main body 212) are opposite to each other at a position where the coupling pipe 218 branches from the rotator 204 and at the base of the coupling pipe 218.

The spout head 206 is pushed to the base part of the coupling pipe 218 at the time of mounting. It is desirable that the spout head 206 abuts against the outer surface of the rotator 204; however, the spout head 206 comes closer to the outer surface of the rotator 204 at least to an extent that the joint part between the rotator 204 and the spout head 206 is not noticeable. More specifically, “pushed to the base part” means that the spout head 206 accommodates 90% or more of the entire length of the coupling pipe 218, or that a gap between the end part of the spout head 206 and the outer surface of the rotator 204 is within 1.5 mm.

In a lower part of the spout head 206, an insertion port 222 extending in the circumferential direction is formed. After inserting the coupling pipe 218 into the spout head 206, the user inserts the fastener 220 from the insertion port 222. The fastener 220 is a clip type member (resin or other materials) having a certain level of strength and elasticity. When the spout head 206 is mounted to the water faucet main body 212, the coupling pipe 218 is accommodated in the spout head 206, and the spout head 206 is pressed toward the rotator 204. Next, the fastener 220 is pushed by hand from the insertion port 222. The fastener 220 grips (clamps) the coupling pipe 218 like a clip does, whereby the spout head 206 is fixed to the rotator 204. By removing the fastener 220, pulling the spout head 206 by hand allows the spout head 206 to be easily removed from the water faucet main body 212.

Note that terms “attachable and detachable” in the second embodiment does not include a structure for perfectly fixing the spout head 206 and the water faucet main body 212 by adhesion, welding, or other means. It means a structure that allows general users to attach and detach by themselves at home. A structure not requiring a special tool for attachment and detachment such as a screwdriver is preferable. In the second embodiment, the spout head 206 and the water faucet main body 212 are fixed by the fastener 220; however, the fastener 220 can be inserted and removed by fingers or nails without using a tool. Alternatively, the fastener 220 may be hooked and removed by using a metal rod or the like; however, a special tool for attachment and detachment is not a requirement. Of course, an additional fixing member such as the fastener 220 may not be used.

An outer diameter enlarged part 274 is formed at the base part of the coupling pipe 218. The outer diameter enlarged part 274 in this embodiment has a tapered shape and has an outer diameter larger than an outer diameter of the central part of the coupling pipe 218. Although the outer diameter enlarged part 274 in the second embodiment has a tapered shape, the tapered shape is not indispensable. The outer diameter enlarged part 274 is only required to at least have an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the central part of the coupling pipe 218. A user usually rotates the rotator 204 by operating the spout head 206. At this time, a load accompanied with rotation concentrates on the base part of the coupling pipe 218. In the second embodiment, the outer diameter enlarged part 274 is formed at the base part of the coupling pipe 218, thereby improving the connection strength between the coupling pipe 218 and the rotator 204.

The spout head 206 is mounted by being pushed toward the rotator 204 at least until all or a part of the outer diameter enlarged part 274 is accommodated. The spout head 206 may abut against the outer surface of the rotator 204 at the end part thereof and completely accommodate the outer diameter enlarged part 274.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the spout head 206 in the second embodiment.

The spout head 206 of the second embodiment includes an outer shell 226, an inner pipe 228, a spout member 230, and a straightener member 232. It is the inner pipe 228 that accommodates the coupling pipe 218 and the cylindrical member 272 fixed to the coupling pipe 218. Tap water reaches the spout member 230 from the water supply pipe 210 via the cylindrical member 272 in the coupling pipe 218 and the inner pipe 228 and is discharged to a sink (not illustrated) through the straightener member 232. A valve connected to the water supply pipe 210 and incorporated in the support column 208 is opened and closed by the spout handle 202 and the operation protrusion 216.

The inner pipe 228 is covered with the outer shell 226 (outer pipe). That is, the spout head 206 has a double structure formed by the inner pipe 228 and the outer shell 226. A rotation shaft of the rotator 204 is the support column 208, and the spout head 206 is connected not to the support column 208 but to the coupling pipe 218 branching from the rotator 204.

Since the connection structure allows the coupling pipe 218 to be extended by the spout head 206, when the spout head 206 is rotated in the horizontal direction, the turning force is transferred to the coupling pipe 218 as it is. Therefore, a rotation operation by the user is easily transferred as a turning force of the rotator 204. Since the coupling pipe 218 is accommodated in the spout head 206, the coupling pipe 218 does not constitute an external appearance.

By allowing the spout head 206 to have the double structure of the inner pipe 228 and the outer shell 226, the strength of the spout head 206 as a whole is improved. The inner pipe 228 extends from the spout member 230 to the end part (a part facing the rotator 204) of the outer shell 226 so as to cover substantially the entire area of the outer shell 226. The “end part of the outer shell 226” referred to here means a range within 3 mm from a tip 276 of the outer shell 226. Therefore, the end part of the inner pipe 228 and the end part of the outer shell 226 substantially correspond to each other. When not only the outer shell 226 but also the inner pipe 228 is mounted to the water faucet main body 212, the outer shell 226 and the inner pipe 228 are pushed until at least all or a part of the outer diameter enlarged part 274 is also accommodated. Alternatively, the inner pipe 228 may have a shape a part of which protrudes from the end part of the outer shell 226.

The inner pipe 228 and the outer shell 226 have different roles. The aesthetic appearance of the outer shell 226 is valued while the aesthetic appearance of the inner pipe 228 incorporated in the outer shell 226 is not so important. On the other hand, since the inner pipe 228 is a passage for water and is directly joined to the coupling pipe 218, an internal structure thereof is particularly required to have high machining accuracy.

For reduction of the weight and cost, both the outer shell 226 and the inner pipe 228 are formed of a resin such as ABS resin or polyacetal. If the weight of the outer shell 226 can be reduced, the replacement type spout head 206 is easy to carry and is also safe. Because resin has lower strength than metal, the spout head 206 is reinforced by the double structure of the inner pipe 228 and the outer shell 226. In addition, the outer shell 226 is subjected to resin plating processing in order to provide metallic luster. In resin plating, the outer shell 226 is immersed in a plating solution while supported at the vicinity of the tip 276 from the inside thereof. Since the plating solution has a high temperature, stress is likely to be applied to the supporting part (inner side) of the outer shell 226. This stress may lower the machining accuracy of the internal structure of the outer shell 226. On the other hand, since the inner pipe 228 is not required of resin plating and thus is free from such a stress. Therefore, by allowing the inner pipe 228, which is required to have a relatively high machining accuracy, to have a separate structure from the outer shell 226, both the aesthetic appearance of the outer shell 226 and the functionality of the inner pipe 228 are implemented.

The outer surface of the rotator 204 has a curved surface shape (cylindrical shape), and the end surfaces of the outer shell 226 and the inner pipe 228 are also machined into shapes matching the curved surface shape of the rotator 204. The end surfaces of the outer shell 226 and the inner pipe 228 are machined into shapes matching the tapered surface of the outer diameter enlarged part 274. Details will be described later. That is, the end surfaces of the outer shell 226 and the inner pipe 228 have shapes that match the shape of the outer surface of the outer diameter enlarged part 274 and the rotator 204. Therefore, the spout head 206 and the rotator 204 can be connected with a smooth appearance without a gap.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a joining structure in the second embodiment.

In FIGS. 15, 16, and 17, detailed structures of the cylindrical member 272, the outer diameter enlarged part 274, and other parts are omitted since FIGS. 15, 16, and 17 are schematic diagrams for describing characteristics of the joining structure. In the second embodiment, the coupling pipe 218 is provided as a part of the rotator 204, and the spout head 206 accommodates the coupling pipe 218, thereby connecting the spout head 206 and the water faucet main body 212. A boundary surface 205 (joint part) between the spout head 206 and the rotator 204 is formed at the base of the coupling pipe 218.

FIGS. 16 and 17 are schematic diagrams of joining structures in a second and a third comparative examples.

FIG. 16 is a second comparative example illustrating a type in which a coupling pipe 242 is provided to a spout head 240 instead of a rotator 238. A branch part 246 is formed obliquely upward on a side surface of the rotator 238. The coupling pipe 242 as a part of the spout head 240 is inserted into the branch part 246, thereby connecting the spout head 240 and the rotator 238. A boundary surface 244 (joint part) between the spout head 240 and the branch part 246 is formed at a tip of the branch part 246. In the third comparative example illustrated in FIG. 17, a coupling pipe 218 is provided to a branch part 247. The third comparative example is similar to the second embodiment in that the coupling pipe 218 is accommodated in a spout head 241; however, a boundary surface 244 is formed at a tip 276 of the branch part 247 as in FIG. 16.

In the case of the structure in FIG. 15, since the coupling pipe 218 protruding from the side surface of the main body is covered by the spout head 206, there is no substantial restriction on the outer diameter of the spout head 206. Although the inner diameter of the inner pipe 228 of the spout head 206 needs to match the outer diameter of the coupling pipe 218, the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the outer shell 226 can be designed relatively freely. On the other hand, in the case of the comparative examples of FIGS. 16 and 17, it is necessary to match the outer diameters of the spout head 240 and 241 and the outer diameters of the branch parts 246 and 247, respectively, and thus the outer diameters of the spout heads 240 and 241 are regulated by the outer diameters of the branch parts 246 and 247.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, in a case where the coupling pipe 218 protruding from the outer surface of the rotator 204 is accommodated in the spout head 206, the surface of the rotator 204 can form the boundary surface 205. Therefore, there is an advantage that the joint part is not noticeable as compared to the second and the third comparative examples. In the case of the connection structure as in the second and the third comparative examples, since the boundary surface 244 is noticeable, there is a possibility that the user misunderstands that the hose can be drawn out from the joint part by pulling the spout head 240.

In the case of the second and the third comparative examples, if a gap is formed at the boundary surface 244, foreign matters such as dust are likely to enter the branch part 246. On the other hand, even if a gap is formed at the boundary surface 205 of the second embodiment and a foreign matter enters there, there is almost no possibility that the foreign matter enters inside the coupling pipe 218 or the spout head 206. This is because the spout head 206 extends obliquely upward.

In particular, since the coupling pipe 242 in the second comparative example serves is a protrusion from the spout head 240, there is a risk that the protruding part (coupling pipe 242) of the spout head 240 abruptly contacts the side surface or other parts of the rotator 238, thereby damaging the water faucet main body.

In the case of the second embodiment, even if there is some variations in the length of the coupling pipe 218, it is easy to adapt to the variations in the length by adjusting the depth of insertion of the coupling pipe 218 to the spout head 206. On the other hand, in the case of the second comparative example, the length of the coupling pipe 242 is likely to be restricted by the length of the branch part 246.

In the second embodiment, the inner pipe 228 is involved in connection with the rotator 204, but the outer shell 226 is not directly involved. Since a load accompanied by the connection is less likely to be applied to the outer shell 226, a material of the outer shell 226 can be selected relatively freely.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the coupling pipe 218.

In the coupling pipe 218, a cylindrical member 272 having a smaller diameter is inserted into a tip thereof, and the outer diameter enlarged part 274 of a tapered shape enlarged to a larger diameter is formed at the connection part (base part) with the rotator 204. The coupling pipe 218 and the rotator 204 are integrally molded by resin. Resin is poured into a mold corresponding to the rotator 204 and the coupling pipe 218 and, after fixation, the rotator 204 and other parts are removed from the mold. At this time, a load may be applied not to a part of the rotator 204 exposed to the outside, but to a part of the coupling pipe 218 not exposed to the outside for removal from the mold.

A notch 278 (first rotation restricting part) is formed at a tip portion of the coupling pipe 218. A protrusion 282 (second rotation restricting part which will be described later in FIGS. 20 and 22) is formed on the inner wall of the inner pipe 228, and the protrusion part and the notch 278 are engaged at the time of mounting. By the engagement between the protrusion 282 and the notch 278, rotation of the spout head 206 in the circumferential direction is restricted.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view illustrating the joining structure of the spout head 206 and the coupling pipe 218.

First, both end surfaces of the outer shell 226 and the inner pipe 228 face the outer diameter enlarged part 274. The outer shell 226 and the inner pipe 228 form an end surface (hereinafter referred to as “spout head end surface 280”) of a tapered shape, and the spout head end surface 280 (first tapered surface) has an inclination at least in the same direction as that of the outer surface (second tapered surface) of a tapered shape of the outer diameter enlarged part 274. The outer shell 226 and the inner pipe 228 face each other at an angle that allows them to be substantially parallel to each other. Since the tapered surfaces of substantially the same shapes face each other, a gap (groove) of the boundary surface 205 is not noticeable. The spout head end surface 280 may abut against the outer diameter enlarged part 274 or the rotator 204. The spout head end surface 280 may abut against the outer diameter enlarged part 274 or the rotator 204 over the entire circumference or at a part thereof. In the case of partial abutment, it is desirable that an upper surface side, which is easily recognizable by a user, is preferentially brought into contact. Similarly, it is desirable that the upper surface side is preferentially brought closer also in the case of not abutment but of opposing (non-abutment).

The inner surface of the inner pipe 228 has a small accommodating part 284 as a water supply passage, a medium accommodating part 286 (second accommodating part) corresponding to the cylindrical member 272, and a large accommodating part 288 (first accommodating part) corresponding to the coupling pipe 218. An inner diameter (first inner diameter) of the large accommodating part 288 is larger than an inner diameter (second inner diameter) of the medium accommodating part 286. A small first O-ring 252 is attached to the cylindrical member 272 having a relatively small outer diameter, and a relatively large second O-ring 250 is attached to the coupling pipe 218. Both the first O-ring 252 and the second O-ring 250 are made of rubber. The main role of the first O-ring 252 is to prevent water discharged from the cylindrical member 272 from flowing backward and leaking from the fastener 220 or the boundary surface 205. Since the first O-ring 252 is small, it is easy to install securely, and “twisting” is unlikely to occur. Since the first O-ring 252 can be easily attached to a correct position of the cylindrical member 272, it is easy to reliably stop water.

On the other hand, the main role of the second O-ring 250 is to prevent rattling of the spout head 206. Since the second O-ring 250 is large, it is easier to increase the adhesion between the coupling pipe 218 and the inner pipe 228 than with the first O-ring 252. Furthermore, since the second O-ring 250 is pressed when the spout head 206 is attached, the restoring force acts as a force pressing the spout head 206 against the rotator 204.

As described above, the spout head 206 is attached to the water faucet main body 212 in a detachable (replaceable) manner. Since attachment and detachment can be performed at home, there is a possibility that a groove of the joint part becomes large depending on an installation situation. Therefore, the spout head 206 (the outer shell 226 and the inner pipe 228) is pushed to the base part of the coupling pipe 218 instead of inserting the spout head 240 into the branch part 246 as in the second comparative example of FIG. 16. As a result, the surface of the rotator 204 becomes the boundary surface 205 as it is, and thus the boundary surface 205 is less noticeable as compared to the second and the third comparative examples.

Moreover, in order to strengthen the joint between the coupling pipe 218 and the rotator 204, an outer diameter enlarged part 274 is formed at the base of the coupling pipe 218. By forming the outer diameter enlarged part 274 by a curved surface shape and allowing the spout head end surface 280 to also have the same curved surface shape correspondingly, the boundary surface 205 becomes less noticeable. The shape of the spout head end surface 280 and the curved surface shape of the outer diameter enlarged part 274 (or the rotator 204) correspond with each other. Here, “correspond” means that the shape of the spout head end surface 280 is allowed to be similar to the curved surface shape of the outer diameter enlarged part 274 to such an extent that no large gap, for example, a gap of 1.0 mm or more does not occur in the opposing part between the spout head 206 and the outer diameter enlarged part 274.

Since the spout head end surface 280 is formed so as to have the same shape as the shape of the outer diameter enlarged part 274, it is possible to correctly connect by inserting the spout head 206 while the direction of the spout head end surface 280 is aligned to the outer diameter enlarged part 274. Furthermore, if the spout head 206 is not allowed to be properly set unless a protrusion (described later) formed on the inner surface of the inner pipe 228 is properly engaged with the notch 278, the connection can be further ensured. A wide mouth of the spout head end surface 280 also contributes to the ease of mounting of the spout head 206.

In summary, the outer diameter enlarged part 274 of a tapered shape is formed in order to improve the joining strength between the coupling pipe 218 and the rotator 204. By forming the spout head end surface 280 into the same shape as that of the outer surface of the outer diameter enlarged part 274, the boundary surface 205 can be made inconspicuous. Furthermore, since the outer surface shape of the outer diameter enlarged part 274 and the shape of the spout head end surface 280 are the same, it is easy to mount the spout head 206 in the correct position.

The relatively large second O-ring 250 is fitted into the coupling pipe 218, thereby ensuring the connection between the coupling pipe 218 and the spout head 206. Also, the relatively small first O-ring 252 is fitted into the cylindrical member 272, thereby ensuring to stop water.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the spout head 206 without a water purification function. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a water faucet 200 a in which the spout head 206 is attached to the water faucet main body 212.

As described above, the spout head 206 has a double structure of the inner pipe 228 and the outer shell 226, and the inner pipe 228 is connected to the spout member 230 while interposing a third O-ring 254. An outlet of the spout member 230 is capped by the straightener member 232. The straightener member 232 straightens flowing water from the inner pipe 228 and changes into foamed water.

The cylindrical member 272 is screwed into the coupling pipe 218, and the first O-ring 252 seals off between the inner pipe 228 (small accommodating part 284) and the cylindrical member 272. Another fourth O-ring 255 seals off between the water supply port 224 and the cylindrical member 272. The coupling pipe 218 is inserted into the inner pipe 228, and the spout head 206 faces or abuts against the rotator 204 (outer diameter enlarged part 274). The second O-ring 250 is fitted between the inner pipe 228 (large accommodating part 288) and the coupling pipe 218 to prevent rattling. After the coupling pipe 218 is inserted into the inner pipe 228, the fastener 220 grips the coupling pipe 218, whereby the spout head 206 is securely fixed to the coupling pipe 218.

Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 21, a protrusion 282 (second rotation restricting part) is formed on an inner surface of the inner pipe 228. When the spout head 206 is inserted while the protrusion 282 and the notch 278 of the coupling pipe 218 are aligned, the protrusion 282 and the notch 278 are engaged with each other to prevent the spout head 206 from rotating in the circumferential direction. Note that the notch 278 may be formed in the inner pipe 228, and the protrusion 282 may be formed in the coupling pipe 218. In consideration of the workability of the notch 278 and the protrusion 282, the entire inner pipe 228 and the coupling pipe 218 may be formed by resin. Alternatively, only the notch 278 and protrusion 282 may be formed by resin.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a spout head 248 having a water purification function. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a water faucet 200 b in which the spout head 248 is attached to the water faucet main body 212.

The spout head 248 having a water purification function also has a double structure of an inner pipe 270 and an outer shell 264, and a water discharge member 260 is attached to a tip thereof. A water purification handle 262 provided to the water discharge member 260 is an operation member for switching between raw water and purified water. A spout head end surface 280 of the spout head 248 is also formed as a curved surface matching the outer circumferential shape of the outer diameter enlarged part 274 (see FIG. 22).

In the structure illustrated in FIG. 22, the inner pipe 270 is engaged with a cartridge holder 256 and includes the cartridge holder 256 as a part thereof. The coupling pipe 218 is inserted into the inner pipe 270. A fifth O-ring 266 is inserted between the inner pipe 270 and the cartridge holder 256. The cartridge holder 256 further incorporates a water purification cartridge 258. When the water discharge member 260 is removed, the water purification cartridge 258 can be replaced. There is a valve 268 inside the cartridge holder 256. When the water purification cartridge 258 is set, the water purification cartridge 258 pushes the valve 268, and the inner pipe 270 and the cartridge holder 256 (water purification cartridge 258) communicate with each other. On the other hand, when the water purification cartridge 258 is removed, the valve 268 is closed by the water pressure inside the inner pipe 270. The valve 268 is a safety device for preventing water in the inner pipe 270 from being ejected from the tip of the spout head 248 when the water purification cartridge 258 is removed in the state where water is flowing.

As illustrated in FIG. 23, a protrusion 282 (second rotation restricting part) is formed on an inner surface of the inner pipe 270. By engaging this protrusion 282 with the notch 278 of the coupling pipe 218, the spout head 206 is prevented from rotating in the circumferential direction.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a spout head 206 in a third embodiment of the present invention.

The spout head 206 includes an outer shell 226, an inner pipe 228, a spout member 230, a straightener member 232, and a buffer member 234 as a part of the inner pipe 228. The third embodiment is similar to the second embodiment except that the buffer member 234 is included. The buffer member 234 is a rubber spacer connected to an end part of the inner pipe 228 and abuts against the rotator 204 when the spout head 206 is connected thereto. The buffer member 234 has a shape covering an end surface of the outer shell 226. The buffer member 234 may be integrally formed with the inner pipe 228 or may be integrated with the inner pipe 228 by being adhered to the inner pipe 228. In the third embodiment, the outer shell 226 of the spout head 206 does not come into direct contact with the water faucet main body 212 but abuts against the water faucet main body 212 via the buffer member 234. An end surface of the buffer member 234 is formed as a tapered surface and abuts against a tapered surface of an outer diameter enlarged part 274 of the coupling pipe 218. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the spout head 206 in the third embodiment, and FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a water faucet 200 a in which the spout head 206 in the third embodiment is attached to a water faucet main body 212. Both FIGS. 25 and 26 are similar to FIGS. 20 and 21, respectively, except that the buffer member 234 is added. This also applies to the case with a water purification function.

Since the buffer member 234 is made of rubber, the water faucet main body 212 is unlikely to be damaged when the spout head 206 is mounted. In addition, since the boundary surface 205 (joint part) is blocked by the buffer member 234, rattling of the spout head 206 is easily prevented.

FIG. 27 is an enlarged perspective view of the periphery of the buffer member 234.

The buffer member 234 covers an end surface of the outer shell 226 on the water faucet main body 212 side. The buffer member 234 may be a member having a higher elastic modulus than that of the outer shell 226. An abutting width T of an abutting surface 236 of the buffer member 234 is at least larger than the thickness of the outer shell 226. A side surface of the rotator 204 in the third embodiment has a curved surface shape (cylindrical shape), and the abutting surface 236 of the buffer member 234 is also machined into a shape matching the curved surface shape of the rotator 204. Therefore, the spout head 206 and the rotator 204 can be connected with a smooth appearance without a gap.

Furthermore, since the spout head 206 and the rotator 204 are connected via the buffer member 234 having elasticity, the spout head 206 and the water faucet main body 212 can be brought into closer contact with each other without any gap. Moreover, since the abutting surface 236 is enlarged by increasing the abutting width T, the pressure accompanying the connection tends to be dispersed, and thus connecting the spout head 206 is unlikely to result in a damage in the rotator 204.

In a case where the buffer member 234 is not provided as in the second embodiment, the outer shell 226 directly abuts against or faces the rotator 204 (outer diameter enlarged part 274). Also in this case, by enlarging the end surface of the outer shell 226, for example, the outer shell 226 may be thickened at the end part to reduce the pressure accompanying the connection.

The structure of the water faucet 200, particularly the connection structure of the spout head 206 or 248 and the water faucet main body 212, has been described mainly on the basis of the third embodiment.

According to the third embodiment, the sizes of the outer shells 226 and 264 of the spout heads 206 and 248, respectively, can be set relatively freely while the spout heads 206 and 248 can be attached to and detached from the water faucet main body 212. Since the boundary surface 205 between the spout head 206 or 248 and the water faucet main body 212 is not noticeable, it is possible to maintain a simple design which is also replaceable. Furthermore, by engaging the notch 278 and the protrusion 282, the spout head 206 is prevented from being displaced in the rotation direction.

The present invention has been described above on the basis of the second and the third embodiments. These embodiments are merely illustration. Therefore, it should be understood by a person skilled in the art that various variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the claims of the present invention and that those variations and modifications are also within the scope of the claims of the present invention. The descriptions and drawings herein are therefore to be regarded not in a limiting sense but in an illustrative sense.

In the second and the third embodiments, descriptions have been given assuming replacement of the spout head 206 without a water purification function and the spout head 248 having a water purification function; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a spout head without a shower function may be replaced with a spout head having a shower function. Alternatively, spout heads having different lengths may be prepared in accordance with the size of a user's body (for example, an adult and a child). Also, like changing the mood by changing a wristband of a wristwatch, an atmosphere of a kitchen can be easily changed by replacing with a spout head of a different design even if there is no difference in functionality.

In the second and the third embodiments, both the spout head 206 and the rotator 204 have been described as having a cylindrical shape; however, a cylindrical member having any cross-sectional shape such as an ellipse or a rectangle or a non-cylindrical housing may be adopted. The outer diameter enlarged part 274 may be formed at the base part of the coupling pipe 218; however, the basic effects of the present invention can be implemented even without forming the outer diameter enlarged part 274. Similarly, it is not a requirement that the spout head 206 has the double structure. The coupling pipe 218 may be a separate part attached to the water faucet main body 212. The example in which the spout head 106 is pushed to the base of the coupling pipe 118 at the time of mounting has been illustrated; however, the main configuration of the present invention can be implemented even by a type having the branch part 146 like the second and the third comparative examples.

From the above description, the following aspects of the invention is recognized.

A water faucet according to an aspect of the present invention includes a water faucet main body having a coupling pipe protruding from a side surface of the main body and a spout head detachably attached to the water faucet main body.

The spout head is attached to the water faucet main body in a state of accommodating the coupling pipe up to the base part of the coupling pipe.

When the spout head is freely attached and detached at home, there is a possibility that the joint part between the spout head and the water faucet main body becomes noticeable. In the case of a structure in which the spout head is inserted to the base of the coupling pipe, the water faucet main body and the branch point of the spout head become the joint part, and thus the joint part becomes less noticeable.

The outer diameter of the coupling pipe may be enlarged at the base part thereof. The spout head may be attached to the water faucet main body in a state of accommodating at least a part of the outer diameter enlarged part of the coupling pipe.

A first and a second rotation restricting parts for restricting rotation of the spout head in the circumferential direction may be formed on the outer surface of the coupling pipe and on the inner surface of the spout head, respectively.

The first and the second rotation restricting parts are only required to have a structure that enables engagement therebetween. Engagement of the first and the second rotation restricting parts with each other facilitates to prevent the spout head from rotating and displaced in the axial direction.

Both or one of the first and the second rotation restricting parts may be formed of resin.

The spout head according to an aspect of the present invention is detachably connected to a water faucet main body having a coupling pipe protruding from a side surface of the main body. The spout head is attached to the water faucet main body in a state of accommodating the coupling pipe up to the base part of the coupling pipe.

A water faucet according to an aspect of the present invention includes a water faucet main body having a coupling pipe protruding from a side surface of the main body and a spout head attached to the water faucet main body in a state of detachably accommodating the coupling pipe. A tapered surface is formed on the outer surface of the coupling pipe. The spout head is attached to the water faucet main body in a state where an end part thereof faces the tapered surface of the coupling pipe.

The tapered surface is formed in the coupling pipe, and the end part of the spout head accommodating the coupling pipe is allowed to face the tapered surface. When the spout head is freely attached and detached at home, there is a possibility that the joint part between the spout head and the water faucet main body becomes noticeable. By allowing the tapered surface of the coupling pipe to correspond to the joint part, the depth of the groove of the joint part can be shallow, and thus the joint part becomes less noticeable. In addition, forming the tapered surface in the coupling pipe facilitates strengthening the joint between the coupling pipe and the water faucet main body.

A tapered surface may also be formed at an end part of the spout head.

The spout head may be attached to the water faucet main body in a state where a part or all of the tapered surface of the spout head and the tapered surface of the coupling pipe abut against each other.

The spout head may directly abut against the coupling pipe or may abut against the coupling pipe via an intermediate member such as a buffer member. Abutment of the spout head against the coupling pipe facilitates prevention of rattling of the spout head.

The spout head may be attached to the water faucet main body in a state of accommodating the coupling pipe up to the base part of the coupling pipe.

In the case of a structure in which the spout head is inserted to the base of the coupling pipe, the water faucet main body and the branch point of the spout head become the joint part, and thus the joint part becomes less noticeable.

Inside the spout head, a first accommodating part having a first inner diameter may be formed at an end part side thereof, and a second accommodating part having a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter may be formed on a back side thereof.

The spout head according to an aspect of the present invention is detachably connected to a water faucet main body having a coupling pipe protruding from a side surface of the main body. A first tapered surface is formed at the end part and a second tapered surface is formed on the outer surface of the coupling pipe. The spout head is attached to the water faucet main body while the first tapered surface faces the second tapered surface.

The spout head according to an aspect of the present invention is detachably connected to a water faucet main body having a coupling pipe protruding from a side surface of the main body. The spout head has a double pipe structure in which an inner pipe accommodating the coupling pipe is inserted into an outer shell, and the inner pipe extends from a spout to an end part of the outer shell.

Since the spout head is allowed to have the double structure of the inner pipe and the outer shell, and the inner pipe extends to the end part of the outer shell, the strength of the spout head improves over the entire area. In addition, accommodating the coupling pipe by the inner pipe extending to the end part of the outer shell allows the joining area of the inner pipe and the coupling pipe to be increased, and thus the joining strength is easily improved. Moreover, separately forming the inner pipe and the outer shell facilitates formation of the inner pipe of the complicated shape. Since the inner pipe is hidden by the outer shell, an influence associated with manufacturing of the inner pipe is unlikely to appear on the appearance. In addition, by allowing the inner pipe to be common and diversifying the outer shell, it is possible to easily increase variations. The outer shell is also unlikely to be affected by the inner surface structure such as the connection part, especially, and it is easy to implement a relatively free shape.

The outer shell may be applied with resin plating.

Forming the outer shell by resin and applying resin plating thereto allows for providing an outer shell that is lightweight but excellent in aesthetic appearance. Resin plating may affect machining accuracy of the outer shell, but since it is the inner pipe that extends to the end part of the outer shell that joins with the coupling pipe, the resin plating processing of the outer shell is unlikely to affect the joining strength, thereby resulting in a structure unlikely to rattle.

The outer diameter of the coupling pipe may be enlarged at the base part thereof. The spout head may be attached to the water faucet main body in a state where the inner pipe accommodates at least a part of the outer diameter enlarged part of the coupling pipe.

A water faucet according to an aspect of the present invention includes a water faucet main body having a coupling pipe protruding from a side surface of the main body and a spout head detachably attached to the water faucet main body.

The spout head has a double pipe structure in which an inner pipe accommodating the coupling pipe is inserted into an outer shell. The inner pipe extends from the spout to an end part of the outer shell.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 28 is a side view of a water faucet 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of the water faucet 400. The water faucet 400 includes a water faucet main body 412 and a spout head 406 detachably mounted to a side surface of the water faucet main body 412. The water faucet 400 is structured such that even a general user can replace the spout head 406 not mounted with a water purification function with another spout head 448 incorporating a water purification cartridge 458 from (see also FIG. 37). The other spout head 448 will be described later.

Hereinafter, descriptions are given on the basis of an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system. A direction X corresponds to a horizontal lateral direction, a direction Y corresponds to a horizontal front-back direction, and a direction Z corresponds to a vertical direction. Each of the direction Y and the direction Z are orthogonal to the direction X at right angles. The direction X may be referred to as a left direction or a right direction, the direction Y may be referred to as a forward direction or a backward direction, and the direction Z may be referred to as an upward direction or a downward direction. In FIG. 28, when the water faucet 400 is viewed from the direction of an arrow P, a right side is referred to as right and a left side is referred to as left. Note that such notations of directions do not limit a posture at the time of use of the water faucet according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 29, the water faucet 400 includes the water faucet main body 412 having a protruding pipe 320 protruding from a side surface of the main body and the spout head 406 attached to the water faucet main body 412 in a freely detachable manner. The protruding pipe 320 includes a coupling pipe 418 and a cylindrical member 472 which is inserted into the coupling pipe 418 and a part of which protrudes in the axial direction to be exposed. The spout head 406 has an accommodating part 310 for accommodating the protruding pipe 320. Between the water faucet main body 412 and the spout head 406, an energizing mechanism 360 for energizing the spout head 406 toward the water faucet main body 412 is provided. The energizing mechanism 360 will be described later.

Water Faucet Main Body

The water faucet main body 412 includes the protruding pipe 320, a connecting coupler 382, a spout handle 402, a rotator 404, a support column 408, and a support column cap 414. The water faucet main body 412 stands upright from a fixed surface in a columnar shape. The protruding pipe 320 protrudes radially, preferably obliquely upward, from the rotator 404 which is a side surface of the main body. Hereinafter, a direction along a central axis M of the protruding pipe 320 is referred to as an axial direction, and a direction orthogonal to the central axis M is referred to as a radial direction.

The support column 408 is fixed to a kitchen or other places and incorporates a downstream part of a water supply pipe 410 for introducing tap water into the water faucet main body 412. The rotator 404 of a cylindrical shape is installed so as to cover the support column 408. The rotator 404 has a function as a housing for covering the connecting coupler 382, a valve, the support column, and other components. The rotator 404 rotates in the horizontal direction about the support column 408. The rotator 404 is applied with resin plating processing and includes a plating surface having metallic luster on its outer surface. The support column cap 414 is provided on the upper side of the rotator 404 and is connected to the support column 408. The rotator 404 is positioned by the support column cap 414 so as not to slip up or down. When a user moves the spout handle 402 on the support column cap 414 in the vertical direction, the spout handle 402 moves an operation protrusion 416 back and forth, whereby a valve (not illustrated) incorporated in the support column 408 and connected to the water supply pipe 410 opens and closes.

Protruding Pipe

As illustrated in FIG. 29, the protruding pipe 320 includes the coupling pipe 418 and the cylindrical member 472. The coupling pipe 418 is a tubular part protruding from the rotator 404 in a continuous manner. The cylindrical member 472 is inserted inside the coupling pipe 418 and is connected to the connecting coupler 382 via a water supply port 424. The connecting coupler 382 is connected to the water supply pipe via the valve. The spout head 406 is attached to the rotator 404 in a freely detachable manner in a state where the protruding pipe 320 is accommodated. As illustrated in FIG. 28, an end part of the spout head 406 faces a side surface part (outer circumferential surface) of the rotator 404. That is, the spout head 406 and the rotator 404 (water faucet main body 412) are opposite to each other at the base of the coupling pipe 418 which is a position where the coupling pipe 418 branches from the rotator 404.

The spout head 406 includes the accommodating part 310 accommodating the protruding pipe 320. The spout head 406 accommodates up to the base part of the coupling pipe 418 at the time of mounting. It is desirable that the spout head 406 abuts against the outer surface of the rotator 404. At least the spout head 406 comes closer to the outer surface of the rotator 404 to an extent that the connection part between the rotator 404 and the spout head 406 is not noticeable.

At the lower part of the spout head 406, an insertion port 422 extending in the circumferential direction is provided. After inserting the protruding pipe 320 into the accommodating part 310 of the spout head 406, the user inserts the fastener 420 from the insertion port 422. The fastener 420 has a clip shape and is formed of, for example, a resin or other materials having predetermined strength and elasticity. When the spout head 406 is mounted to the water faucet main body 412, the protruding pipe 320 is accommodated in the accommodating part 310 of the spout head 406, and the spout head 406 is pressed toward the rotator 404. Next, the fastener 420 is pushed by hand from the insertion port 422. The fastener 420 grips (clamps) the coupling pipe 418 like a clip does, whereby the spout head 406 is fixed to the rotator 404. By removing the fastener 420, pulling the spout head 406 in the axial direction by hand allows the spout head 406 to be removed from the water faucet main body 412.

Note that “freely detachable” in the fourth embodiment does not include a structure for perfectly fixing the spout head 406 and the water faucet main body 412 by adhesion, welding, or other means. It is a structure that allows general users to attach and detach by themselves at home. A structure not requiring a special tool for attachment and detachment such as a screwdriver is preferable. Therefore, in the water faucet 400 of the fourth embodiment, the spout head 406 and the water faucet main body 412 are fixed by the fastener 420. The fastener 420 can be inserted and removed with fingers and nails without using a tool. Note that the fastener 420 may be removed by hooking any metal rod or the like thereto. It is not required to use the fastener 420.

There is a case where the rotator 404 is rotated by operating the spout head 406 by applying a turning force thereto. At this time, a stress due to the rotation concentrates on the base part of the coupling pipe 418. Therefore, it is desirable to improve the connection strength between the coupling pipe 418 and the rotator 404. Therefore, in the water faucet 400 of the fourth embodiment, an outer diameter enlarged part 474 having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the central part of the coupling pipe 418 is provided at the base part of the coupling pipe 418. The outer diameter enlarged part 474 has, for example, a tapered shape.

The spout head 406 is pushed toward the rotator 404 so as to accommodate all or a part of the outer diameter enlarged part 474 and thereby mounted thereto. The spout head 406 may abut against the outer surface of the rotator 404 at the end part thereof and completely accommodate the outer diameter enlarged part 474.

From the perspective of ensuring the user's work space, it is preferable that a water discharge space, which is a space between the spout head 406 and a sink, is wide. Therefore, in the water faucet 400 of the fourth embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 28, an angle θ formed between an upper surface of the spout head 406 and a side surface, of the water faucet main body 412, extending upward from the spout head 406 is allowed to be an acute angle. With this configuration, since a downstream side of the spout head 406 is positioned higher as compared to the case where the angle θ is an obtuse angle, a distance from the sink becomes longer, thereby allowing the water discharge space to be wide.

[Spout Head]

FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view of the spout head 406. The spout head 406 includes an outer shell 426, an inner pipe 428, a spout member 430, and a straightener member 432.

[Inner Pipe]

The inner pipe 428 is a tubular member extending substantially in the axial direction, and the accommodating part 310 is provided at an end part on an upstream side. The accommodating part 310 accommodates the protruding pipe 320 including the cylindrical member 472 and the coupling pipe 418. The inner pipe 428 has a water supplier 484 therein which is a passage of water. Tap water reaches the spout member 430 from the water supply pipe 410 via the cylindrical member 472 and the water supplier 484 of the inner pipe 428 and is discharged to a sink (not illustrated) through the straightener member 432.

The outer shell 426 is a housing of the spout head 406 and is a tubular member covering an outer side of the inner pipe 428. That is, the spout head 406 has a double structure of the inner pipe 428 and the outer shell 426. The spout head 406 has the double structure, whereby an overall strength of the spout head 406 is improved. The rotator 404 is freely rotatably supported with the support column 408 as a rotation axis thereof. The spout head 406 is connected to the protruding pipe 320 branching from the rotator 404. As the rotator 404 rotates, the spout head 406 rotates together with the rotator 404. In addition, the connecting coupler 382 and the cylindrical member also rotate integrally together with the spout head 406.

Since the spout head 406 is provided in an extended area from the protruding pipe 320, by rotating the spout head 406 in the horizontal direction, its turning force is transmitted to the coupling pipe 418 of the protruding pipe 320 as it is. Therefore, it is possible to transmit a rotational operation by the user as a turning force of the rotator 404. Since the protruding pipe 320 is accommodated in the spout head 406, the protruding pipe 320 does not form the appearance when the spout head 406 is mounted.

The inner pipe 428 may extend from the spout member 430 to the end part of the outer shell 426 facing the rotator 404 so as to cover substantially the entire area of the outer shell 426. In particular, the end part of the inner pipe 428 and the end part of the outer shell 426 substantially correspond to each other. The inner pipe 428 is pushed so as to accommodate all or a part of the outer diameter enlarged part 474 when mounted to the water faucet main body 412. Alternatively, the inner pipe 428 may have a shape a part of which protrudes from the end part of the outer shell 426.

Since the outer shell 426 forms the appearance, an aesthetic appearance is emphasized. Since the inner pipe 428 is covered with the outer shell 426, there are few opportunities to form the appearance, and thus the aesthetic appearance is not so important. Since the inner pipe 428 is a passage of water and is directly connected to the coupling pipe 418, an internal structure thereof is particularly required to have high machining accuracy.

The outer shell 426 and the inner pipe 428 can be formed from a resin material such as ABS resin or polyacetal by a mold-forming process. In this case, there is an advantage in reduction in the weight and cost of the outer shell 426 and the inner pipe 428. By reducing the weight of the outer shell 426, the spout head 406 for replacement can be easily carried. The outer shell 426 is applied with resin plating processing and includes a plating surface having metallic luster on its outer surface.

In the step of applying plating a resin part, since the resin part is immersed in a plating liquid of a high temperature, the resin part may be deformed by high temperature stress, and the machining accuracy may decrease. Therefore, in the spout head 406 of the fourth embodiment, adopting the double structure in which the inner pipe 428 is covered with the outer shell 426 allows a structure in which a plating surface is formed on the outer shell 426 of which aesthetic appearance is emphasized while the inner pipe 428, of which machining accuracy is emphasized, has no plating surface. In particular, the entire surface of the inner pipe 428 including a first accommodating part 486 and a second accommodating part 488 is formed by a non-plated surface.

The outer surface of the rotator 404 has a curved surface shape that is a cylindrical shape. The end surface of the outer shell 426 and the end surface of the inner pipe 428 have a shape matching the curved surface shape of the outer surface of the rotator 404. In particular, the end surface of the outer shell 426 and the end surface of the inner pipe 428 have a shape matching the tapered surface of the outer diameter enlarged part 474. With such a configuration, it is possible to connect the spout head 406 and the rotator 404 without a gap.

[Attaching and Detaching Mechanism]

Next, an attaching and detaching mechanism of the water faucet 400 will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the spout head 406 is connected to the water faucet main body 412 by accommodating the protruding pipe 320 protruding from the rotator 404 in the accommodating part 310 of the spout head 406. The accommodating part 310 includes the first accommodating part 486 and the second accommodating part 488, which will be described later. A boundary part which is a connection part between the spout head 406 and the rotator 404 is formed at the base of the coupling pipe 418 of the protruding pipe 320. In the water faucet 400, the spout head 406 covers the coupling pipe 418 and the cylindrical member 472 of the protruding pipe 320 protruding from a side surface of the main body. Therefore, an outer diameter of the outer shell 426 of the spout head 406 can be designed relatively freely. In a case where the spout head is allowed to have a structure in which the spout head is connected in the middle of the protruding pipe, a step is generated in the connecting part when the spout head is replaced with another spout head having a different outer diameter. In addition, since there is a deviation due to manufacturing variations in the outer diameter of the spout head or the outer diameter of the protruding pipe, a step may be generated due to a difference in the outer diameter in these connection parts. Such a state having a step cannot be considered to have good appearance. Therefore, in the water faucet 400 of the fourth embodiment, the spout head 406 is attached to the water faucet main body 412 in a state of accommodating the protruding pipe 320 up to the base part thereof. With such a configuration, since the spout head 406 is connected at the base part of the protruding pipe 320, it is possible to eliminate a step due to a difference in the outer diameter or a manufacturing error of the outer diameter. Furthermore, since there is no need to consider a difference in the outer diameter of the connecting part, the outer diameter of the outer shell 426 can be designed relatively freely.

As illustrated in FIG. 28, in the configuration in which the spout head 406 accommodates the protruding pipe 320 protruding from the outer surface of the rotator 404 up to the base part thereof, the surface of the rotator 404 serves as a boundary part. Therefore, the connection part is unlikely to be noticeable as compared to the case where the boundary surface is located midway in the axial direction of the protruding pipe 320. As illustrated in FIG. 28, the spout head 406 is directly connected to the rotator 404 while the inner pipe 428 accommodates the protruding pipe 320. The outer shell 426 covers the connection part of the inner pipe 428 and is not directly involved in the connection part. Therefore, since the outer shell 426 is less likely to be subjected to stress due to the connection, the degree of freedom in designing of the shape, a material, or others of the outer shell 426 can be increased.

FIG. 31 is a side view of the periphery of the protruding pipe 320 of the water faucet 400. FIG. 31 illustrates a state in which an O-ring 452 is not mounted. As illustrated in FIG. 31, the protruding pipe 320 includes the coupling pipe 418 and the cylindrical member 472. The cylindrical member 472 has a smaller outer diameter than that of the tip portion of the coupling pipe 418 and is inserted into the coupling pipe 418. One end 472 a on an upper side (downstream side) of the cylindrical member 472 protrudes in the axial direction from the coupling pipe 418 and is exposed from the coupling pipe 418. The other end 472 b on a lower side (upstream side) of the cylindrical member 472 is inserted into the water supply port 424 inside the rotator 404 and connected to the connecting coupler 382 (see also FIG. 28). The outer diameter enlarged part 474 is formed at a connection part between the coupling pipe 418 and the rotator 404. The outer diameter enlarged part 474 has a tapered shape in which the outer diameter becomes larger as the outer diameter approaches the rotator 404. The coupling pipe 418 is integrally formed with the rotator 404 by mold forming from a resin material. When the coupling pipe 418 and the rotator 404 are removed from a mold, a part corresponding to the coupling pipe 418 may be pushed out. In this case, damages on the rotator 404 exposed to the outside can be reduced.

[Engagement Groove]

As illustrated in FIG. 31, in the water faucet 400, an engagement groove 490 is provided in the cylindrical part of the coupling pipe 418. An engaging protruding part (not illustrated), which is provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical member 472 and is a protrusion protruding in the radial direction, is engaged with the engagement groove 490. The cylindrical member 472 is connected to the coupling pipe 418 with the engaging protruding part engaged with the engagement groove 490.

As illustrated in FIG. 29, the end surface of the outer shell 426 and the end surface of the inner pipe 428 face the outer diameter enlarged part 474. The outer shell 426 and the inner pipe 428 are provided with a spout head end surface 480 which is a tapered end surface (see also FIG. 36). The tapered surface of the spout head end surface 480 faces the tapered surface of the outer surface of the outer diameter enlarged part 474 at a substantially parallel angle. By allowing the tapered surface of the spout head end surface 480 and the tapered surface of the outer diameter enlarged part 474 to have the same curved surface shape, it is possible to make a gap at the boundary part less noticeable. The spout head 406 may face the rotator 404 in a state where at least a part of the spout head end surface 480 abuts against or does not abut against the rotator 404. Note that “the same curved surface shape” here means that the shape of the spout head end surface 480 is allowed to be similar to the curved surface shape of the outer diameter enlarged part 474 to such an extent that no large gap, for example, a gap of 1.0 mm or more does not occur in the opposing part between the spout head 406 and the outer diameter enlarged part 474.

[Accommodating Part]

As illustrated in FIG. 28, on the inner surface of the inner pipe 428, the water supplier 484, the first accommodating part 486, and the second accommodating part 488 are provided. The water supplier 484 is a passage of water provided on a downstream side of the first accommodating part 486. The first accommodating part 486 is provided on a downstream side of the second accommodating part 488 and mainly accommodates the cylindrical member 472. The second accommodating part 488 is provided on an upstream side of the first accommodating part 486 and mainly accommodates the coupling pipe 418. An end surface 488 a on an upstream side of the second accommodating part 488 forms also the spout head end surface 480 (see also FIG. 36). The first accommodating part 486 has an inner diameter larger than that of the water supplier 484, and the second accommodating part 488 has an inner diameter larger than that of the first accommodating part 486. Since the accommodating part 310 has a two-stage structure of the first accommodating part 486 having a small diameter and the second accommodating part 488 having a large diameter, a seal is formed between the first accommodating part 486 and the cylindrical member 472 to suppress water leakage, whereby rattling in the radial direction between the second accommodating part 488 and the coupling pipe 418 can be suppressed.

As illustrated in FIG. 28, the cylindrical member 472 has an outer diameter smaller than that of the coupling pipe 418, and the O-ring 452 is attached to the outer circumferential surface thereof. The O-ring 452 is formed of a material such as rubber having elasticity. The O-ring 452 suppresses leakage of water as a seal between the cylindrical member 472 and the first accommodating part 486.

[Energizing Mechanism]

Next, the energizing mechanism 360 will be described. FIG. 32 is an explanatory view illustrating the periphery of the energizing mechanism 360. The energizing mechanism 360 is provided between the water faucet main body 412 and the spout head 406. The energizing mechanism 360 is structured to energize the spout head 406 toward the water faucet main body 412 in a state where the spout head 406 is attached to the water faucet main body 412. The energizing mechanism 360 is incorporated in an energizing mechanism mounting part 370 of the coupling pipe 418 (see also FIG. 31). As illustrated in FIG. 32, the energizing mechanism 360 includes an elastic body 366, a sliding member 364, the fastener 420, and a first insertion port 422 a. The elastic body 366, the sliding member 364, and the fastener 420 are mounted to the energizing mechanism mounting part 370.

[Energizing Mechanism Mounting Part]

The energizing mechanism mounting part 370 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 31, in the water faucet 400, an energizing mechanism mounting part 370 for incorporating the energizing mechanism 360 in the coupling pipe 418 is provided. The energizing mechanism mounting part 370 has a small diameter part 377 of a substantially cylindrical shape and recessed in the radial direction from an outer circumferential part 418 e. The small diameter part 377 is formed to have a smaller diameter than that of the outer circumferential part 418 e. The small diameter part 377 is provided with an elastic member mounting part 371, a sliding member mounting part 372, and a fastener mounting part 373 in the order mentioned from a downstream side. The elastic body 366 of an annular shape is fitted into the elastic member mounting part 371. A sliding member 364 is fitted into the sliding member mounting part 372. The fastener 420 is mounted to the fastener mounting part 373.

Each of the elastic member mounting part 371, the sliding member mounting part 372, and the fastener mounting part 373 has a cylindrical surface. The cylindrical surfaces of the elastic member mounting part 371 and the sliding member mounting part 372 are formed to have substantially the same diameter, which are uniformly connected with no step formed at a boundary therebetween. A diameter of the cylindrical surface of the fastener mounting part 373 is larger than that of the cylindrical surface of the sliding member mounting part 372, and a stepped part 378 is provided at a boundary therebetween. The stepped part 378 limits the range of axial movement of the sliding member 364.

At a part on the circumference of the small diameter part 377, a limiting protruding part 374, which is a part protruding in the radial direction, extends in the axial direction from the fastener mounting part 373 to the sliding member mounting part 372. As illustrated in FIG. 31, the limiting protruding part 374 is positioned above the small diameter part 377. The energizing mechanism 360 has an upstream wall 375 on an upstream side of the small diameter part 377 and a downstream wall 376 on a downstream side of the small diameter part 377. The upstream wall 375 and the downstream wall 376 extend radially from the upstream end and the downstream end, respectively, of the small diameter part 377 toward the outer circumferential part 418 e. An end surface of the fastener 420 abuts against the upstream wall 375, and the elastic body 366 abuts against the downstream wall 376.

[Elastic Body]

Next, the elastic body 366 will be described. FIGS. 33A and 33B are explanatory views of the elastic body 366. FIG. 33A is a side view, and FIG. 33B is a front view. In FIG. 33A, a part of the illustration is a cross section. The elastic body 366 may be, for example, an O-ring which is an annular member made of rubber. The elastic body 366 is fitted into the elastic member mounting part 371 of the small diameter part 377. An end surface on a downstream side of the elastic body 366 abuts against the downstream wall 376.

Next, the function of the elastic body 366 will be described. As the energizing mechanism, it is desirable that an energizing force can be generated by a simple mechanism. Therefore, in the water faucet 400, the energizing mechanism 360 includes the elastic body 366 interposed between the water faucet main body 412 and the spout head 406. By including the elastic body 366, the elastic body 366 itself generates an energizing force, and thus the mechanism is simplified, and it is possible to structure with a small number of parts.

It is desirable that the elastic body has a small shape that can be accommodated between the water faucet main body 412 and the spout head 406. Therefore, in the water faucet 400, the elastic body 366 is compressed in a state in which the spout head 406 is attached to the water faucet main body 412. In this case, since the elastic body 366 is mounted while compressed in the thickness direction, an accommodation space thereof can be made small. The compressed elastic body 366 outputs a thrust J (see also FIG. 32) directed toward the water faucet main body 412 by the repulsive force in the thickness direction. Note that it is not required that the elastic body is mounted in a compressed state.

[Sliding Member]

Next, the sliding member 364 will be described. FIGS. 34A and 34B are explanatory diagrams of the sliding member 364. FIG. 34A is a side view, and FIG. 34B is a front view. As an example, the sliding member 364 has a hollow disk shape and has a substantially C letter shape partially cut out. The sliding member 364 is provided with a first surface 364 a on a downstream side, a second surface 364 b on an upstream side, an inclined surface 364 c, and a notch 364 d. The second surface 364 b is formed to have a smaller diameter than that of the first surface 364 a. The inclined surface 364 c is inclined so as to approach the first surface 364 a as the inclined surface extends away from the outer circumferential part of the second surface 364 b. The notch 364 d is included in an upper portion of the sliding member 364 so as to clamp the limiting protruding part 374 with a gap interposed therebetween. By clamping the limiting protruding part 374, the sliding member 364 is formed to easily slide in the axial direction with the limiting protruding part 374 serving as a guide. The sliding member 364 may be formed by mold-forming from a resin material having preferable slidability such as polyacetal.

Next, the function of the sliding member 364 will be described. In the absence of the sliding member 364, in order to bring the elastic body 366 into a compressed state with the fastener 420 attached, in a state where the elastic body 366 is not compressed, the upstream side of the elastic body 366 is allowed to extend to a region of the fastener mounting part 373. In this case, the region of the fastener mounting part 373 becomes narrow. When the fastener 420 is inserted, the fastener 420 rubs directly with the elastic body 366, and thus it is difficult for the fastener 420 to be inserted sufficiently deeply. Furthermore, there is also a possibility that the elastic body 366 is deformed or damaged due to abrasion at the time of inserting the fastener 420. In particular, in a case where the elastic body 366 is made of rubber, the frictional resistance at the time of inserting the fastener 420 is large. Therefore, in the water faucet 400, the energizing mechanism 360 includes the sliding member 364 interposed between the fastener 420 and the elastic body 366. An end surface of the sliding member 364 on the upstream side abuts against the fastener 420, and an end surface on the downstream side abuts against an end surface of the elastic body 366. Since the sliding member 364 is formed of a material having a preferable slidability, the frictional resistance at the time of inserting the fastener 420 can be reduced. Furthermore, since the elastic body 366 and the fastener 420 are not in direct contact, it is possible to suppress deformation or damaging of the elastic body 366 at the time of inserting the fastener 420. In a state where the fastener 420 is not mounted, the second surface 364 b and the inclined surface 364 c on the upstream side of the sliding member 364 project slightly to the region of the fastener mounting part 373 and protrudes toward the upstream side from the wall 422 ab on the downstream side of the first insertion port 422 a. When the fastener 420 is inserted, the inclined surface 364 c serves as a guide, and the fastener 420 is inserted deeply along the inclined surface 364 c, and the fastener 420 pushes the sliding member 364 downstream, whereby the elastic body 366 is compressed. Furthermore, since a range of an axial movement of the sliding member 364 is limited by the stepped part 378 at the boundary between the fastener mounting part 373 and the sliding member mounting part 372, the amount of protrusion to the region of the fastener mounting part 373 in the state where the fastener 420 is not attached is kept adequate. Thus, the fastener 420 can be easily inserted.

[Fastener]

Next, the fastener 420 will be described. FIGS. 35A, 35B and 35C are explanatory views of the fastener 420. FIG. 35A is a front view, FIG. 35B is a side view, and FIG. 35C is a bottom view. As an example, the fastener 420 includes a pair of leg portions 420 b extending upward from both ends of a base portion 420 a extending in the lateral direction and has a so-called clip shape. In the fastener 420, the base portion 420 a and the pair of leg portions 420 b are integrally formed from a resin material. A hook portion 420 f for gripping with a fingernail or a tool is included at a lower part of the base portion 420 a. The hook portion 420 f has a shape recessed in the thickness direction and thereby formed with a gap enough to insert a nail or a tool between the hook portion 420 f and the insertion port 422 in a state where the fastener 420 is mounted to the insertion port 422. In the base portion 420 a, on an inner side of the base of the leg portions 420 b, a recessed portions 420 e are formed in order to improve flexibility of the leg portions 420 b.

[Insertion Port]

As illustrated in FIG. 32, the insertion port 422 includes the first insertion port 422 a formed in the outer shell 426 and a second insertion port 422 b formed in the inner pipe 428. The first insertion port 422 a and the second insertion port 422 b are connected in the radial direction. The first insertion port 422 a and the second insertion port 422 b are substantially rectangular or elliptical openings horizontally long as viewed from the bottom. The fastener 420 penetrates through the first insertion port 422 a and the second insertion port 422 b in the radial direction and grips the coupling pipe 418. An energizing force H is input to the first insertion port 422 a via the fastener 420. At this time, it is desirable to minimize the gap between the outer shell 426 and the water faucet main body 412 in appearance. Therefore, in the water faucet 400, the second insertion port 422 b of the inner pipe 428 is formed to be wider in the axial direction than the first insertion port 422 a of the outer shell 426 is. With such a configuration, a gap is formed between the second insertion port 422 b and the fastener 420, and the energizing force H can be given preferentially to the first insertion port 422 a of the outer shell 426. As a result, the gap between the outer shell 426 and the water faucet main body 412 is allowed to be as small as possible. It is preferable that the first insertion port 422 a and the fastener 420 are formed such that the widths in the axial direction substantially coincide.

Next, the operation of the energizing mechanism 360 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 32, the elastic body 366 outputs the thrust J to the fastener 420 via the sliding member 364 in a state of being fitted in the elastic member mounting part 371. The fastener 420 having received the thrust J outputs the energizing force H to a wall 422 aa on the upstream side of the first insertion port 422 a of the outer shell 426. As a result, the spout head 406 is energized toward the water faucet main body 412 in the axial direction.

Since a manufacturing error is included in the gap between the spout head end surface 480 and the rotator 404 of the water faucet main body 412, there is a possibility that the production yield is decreased if it is attempted to eliminate the gap over the entire region of the spout head end surface 480. In particular, since the shape of the spout head end surface 480 to be matched with the outer circumferential surface of the water faucet main body 412 is complicated, it is difficult to make a completely matching shape. Therefore, in the water faucet 400, an upper part 480 a of the spout head end surface 480, which is an opposite part of the spout head 406 opposite to the rotator 404 of the water faucet main body 412, is provided so as to be closer to the rotator 404 than a lower part 480 b thereof (see also FIG. 36). Since the gap of the upper part 480 a of the spout head end surface 480 is more noticeable for a user than the gap of the lower part 480 b, the upper part 480 a of the spout head end surface 480 can be set to be closer to the rotator 404 preferentially over the lower part 480 b. For example, by setting the upper part 480 a of the spout head end surface 480 to protrude toward the rotator 404 than the lower part 480 b does and energizing the spout head 406 toward the water faucet main body 412 by the energizing mechanism 360, the upper part 480 a is allowed be closer to the rotator 404 than the lower part 480 b is. Since it is possible to reduce the gap of the upper part 480 a which is likely to be visually recognized by the user, deterioration of the aesthetic appearance due to this gap is alleviated. The upper part 480 a of the spout head end surface 480 may abut against the water faucet main body 412.

Next, the structure of the water faucet 400 will be described. FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the spout head 406 of the water faucet 400 according to the fourth embodiment. The spout head 406 is connected to the water faucet main body 412 of FIG. 28. Hereinafter, a water faucet in which the spout head 406 without a water purification function is attached to the water faucet main body 412 may be denoted to as the water faucet 400 a. As illustrated in FIG. 36, the inner pipe 428 of the spout head 406 is connected to the spout member 430. An O-ring 454 seals off between the inner pipe 428 and the spout member 430. An outlet of the spout member 430 is capped by the straightener member 432. The straightener member 432 straightens flowing water from the inner pipe 428 and changes into foamed water.

As illustrated in FIG. 28, the cylindrical member 472 is inserted into the coupling pipe 418, and the other end 472 b on the lower side (upstream side) of the cylindrical member 472 is connected to the water supply port 424. An O-ring 455 seals off between the other end 472 b of the cylindrical member 472 and the water supply port 424.

The spout head 406 is fixed to the coupling pipe 418 with the fastener 420 gripping the coupling pipe 418 in the state where the coupling pipe 418 is inserted into the inner pipe 428. In particular, the fastener 420 is inserted from the first insertion port 422 a of the outer shell 426 and grips the coupling pipe 418 through the second insertion port 422 b of the inner pipe 428.

[Another Spout Head]

Next, the other spout head 448 incorporating the water purification cartridge 458 will be described. FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the other spout head 448 having a water purification function. The other spout head 448 includes an inner pipe 470, an outer shell 464, a water discharge member 460, a water purification handle 462, an O-ring 466, a valve 468, a cartridge holder 456, and the water purification cartridge 458. In particular, the other spout head 448 includes the inner pipe 470 for receiving water supply from the water faucet main body 412, and the inner pipe 470 is provided with the cartridge holder 456 for holding the water purification cartridge 458. The outer periphery of the inner pipe 470 is covered with the outer shell 464. The other spout head 448 has a double structure of the inner pipe 470 and the outer shell 464. The coupling pipe 418 is inserted into the inner pipe 470. The water discharge member 460 is attached to a tip of the inner pipe 470 on the downstream side. The water purification handle 462 is an operation member for switching between raw water and purified water and is provided on a side surface of the outer shell 464 closer to the downstream side.

The cartridge holder 456 is fitted to the inner pipe 470 and is provided as a part of the inner pipe 470. The O-ring 466 is inserted between the inner pipe 470 and the cartridge holder 456. The water purification cartridge 458 is incorporated in the cartridge holder 456. The water purification cartridge 458 can be replaced by removing the water discharge member 460.

The valve 468 is provided inside the cartridge holder 456. The valve 468 is pushed out by the water purification cartridge 458 set in the cartridge holder 456 and communicates the inner pipe 470 and the cartridge holder 456. When the water purification cartridge 458 is removed, the valve 468 is closed by water pressure inside the inner pipe 470. That is, the valve 468 is a safety device for preventing water in the inner pipe 470 from being ejected from the tip of the other spout head 448 when the water purification cartridge 458 is removed in the state where water is flowing.

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of a water faucet 400 b in a state where the other spout head 448 is attached to the water faucet main body 412. The water faucet 400 b is obtained by removing the spout head 406 without a water purification function from the water faucet main body 412 of the water faucet 400 a and replacing it with the other spout head 448 having a water purification function. The other spout head 448 is fixed to the coupling pipe 418 with the fastener 420 gripping the coupling pipe 418 in the state where the coupling pipe 418 is inserted into the inner pipe 470. In particular, the fastener 420 is inserted from the first insertion port 422 a of the outer shell 464 and grips the coupling pipe 418 through the second insertion port 422 b of the inner pipe 470. In this manner, the other spout head 448 can be easily attached to and detached from the water faucet main body 412 by a similar method to that of the spout head 406.

[Check Valve]

Next, a check valve 350 will be described. FIG. 39 is a front view of the water faucet 400. The water faucet 400 includes a water supply pipe 410 a for introducing unheated tap water and another water supply pipe 410 b for introducing heated hot water into the water supply pipe 410. A check valve 350 a is provided in the water supply pipe 410 a, and a check valve 350 b is provided in the other water supply pipe 410 b.

Since the other spout head 448 having a water purification function has a large water flow resistance in the water purification cartridge 458 and thus a higher pressure than that of the spout head 406, when the pressure on the upstream side of the water faucet main body 412 drops (in particular, when a difference in the pressure is generated between the water supply pipe 410 a for introducing tap water into the water faucet main body 412 and the other water supply pipe 410 b), there is a higher possibility that a reverse flow occurs as compared to the case of the spout head 406. Therefore, in the water faucet 400 according to the fourth embodiment, the check valve 350 is provided in the water faucet main body 412 or in a water passage in the water faucet main body 412 on the upstream side. By providing the check valve 350, a reverse flow of water to the upstream side can be suppressed.

In the water faucet 400 of the fourth embodiment, the check valve 350 is provided in the water supply pipe 410 for introducing tap water into the water faucet main body 412. In this case, it is advantageous from the perspective of downsizing of the water faucet main body 412.

Next, the operation of the check valve 350 a will be described. The operation of the check valve 350 a is common with the operation of the check valve 350 b. FIG. 40 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the check valve 350 a. FIG. 40(a) is a diagram illustrating a state in which the check valve 350 a is opened. FIG. 40(b) is a diagram illustrating a state in which the check valve 350 a is closed. The check valve 350 a is provided in the water supply pipe 410 a on the upstream side of the water faucet main body 412 and is provided below a fixing surface (a counter of a kitchen or other places) to which the water faucet main body 412 is fixed. The check valve 350 a is formed in a joint 348 for connecting the water supply pipe 410 a to a water distribution pipe on the upstream side. The joint 348 includes a joint body portion 353, a joint cup portion 358, and a female screw portion 358 a. The joint body portion 353 has a hollow cylindrical shape, and a water passage of the check valve 350 a is formed on an inner circumferential surface thereof. The joint cup portion 358 has a hollow cylindrical shape and is provided on the upstream side of the joint body portion 353, and the female screw portion 358 a is formed on the inner circumferential surface thereof. The joint cup portion 358 may be formed integrally with the joint body portion 353 from a metal material such as brass. The outer diameter and the inner diameter of the joint cup portion 358 are formed to be larger than those of the joint body portion 353.

The check valve 350 a includes a valve member 351, a valve seat member 352, a guide 354, a spring 355, an O-ring 356, and an O-ring 357. The valve seat member 352 is a hollow annular member and is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the joint body portion 353 in a fixed manner. The O-ring 357 is fitted between the valve seat member 352 and the joint body portion 353. At an end part of the valve seat member 352, a valve seat 352 a is formed in a region where a valve body 351 a of the valve member 351 abuts thereon. The valve member 351 includes the valve body 351 a and a shaft portion 351 b. The shaft portion 351 b is a rod-like portion extending downstream from the valve body 351 a and is formed to have a smaller diameter than that of the valve body 351 a. The shaft portion 351 b and the valve body 351 a may be integrally formed from a metal material such as brass. The O-ring 356 is fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the valve body 351 a.

The guide 354 is a hollow cylindrical member provided in the middle of the inside of the joint body portion 353 in a fixed manner. The valve member 351 is movably supported by the guide 354 with the shaft portion 351 b slidably accommodated in the inner circumferential part of the guide 354. By being supported by the guide 354, the valve member 351 can freely move between the upstream side and the downstream side in the direction of the water passage (vertical direction in FIG. 40). The spring 355 is a coil spring encircling the shaft portion 351 b with one end thereof abutting against the inner surface of the joint body portion 353 and the other end abutting against a surface of the valve body 351 a on the downstream side. The valve member 351 is pushed against the valve seat member 352 by input of the repulsive force of the spring 355 and the water pressure.

The check valve 350 a is closed when the valve member 351 abuts against the valve seat member 352 and is opened when the valve member 351 moves away from the valve seat member 352. In the check valve 350 a as illustrated in FIG. 40(a), when the water pressure on the upstream side is higher than that of the downstream side, the valve member 351 is separated from the valve seat member 352 by the difference in the pressure, and water flows as illustrated by an arrow 359 a. On the other hand, when the water pressure on the downstream side is higher than that of the upstream side, the valve member 351 is pressed against the valve seat member 352 by the difference in the pressure as illustrated in FIG. 40(b). Then the check valve 350 a is closed, and a water flow is blocked as indicated by an arrow 359 b. As a result, it is possible to suppress a reverse flow of water in the downstream side to the upstream side.

Next, characteristics of the water faucet 400 structured in the above manner will be described.

In the water faucet 400, the water faucet main body 412 is structured to be replaceable from the spout head 406 without a water purification function to the other spout head 448 having a water purification function. Therefore, as compared to the case of replacing the entire water faucet, it is easier to replace a water faucet without a water purification function with a water faucet with a water purification function, thereby allowing a user to easily perform replacement at home, and thus the replacement cost can be kept low. In addition, since a water purification cartridge can be incorporated in the spout head 448, awkwardness in the appearance is reduced, and the appearance is improved as compared with the case where a water purifier protruding below a tap of a water faucet is retrofitted. In addition, since the water purification cartridge is incorporated in the spout head 448, protruding downward from the spout is suppressed, and thus it is easy to use without impairing the space between the spout and the sink.

In the water faucet 400, the check valve 350 is provided in the water faucet main body 412 or in the upstream side of the water faucet main body 412. Therefore, in a case where a user who has purchased a water faucet without a water purification function replaces the spout head 406 with the other spout head 448 after the purchase, even if a check valve is not retrofitted, a reverse flow of water on the downstream side to the upstream side of the water faucet main body 412 can be suppressed. That is, since the check valve 350 is provided in the water faucet 400 in advance in preparation for replacement of a spout head, the user only has to replace the spout head.

The water faucet 400 has a water supply pipe 410 a for introducing tap water into the water faucet main body 412 and the check valve 350 includes a check valve 350 a provided in the water supply pipe 410 a. Therefore, even when the pressure on the downstream side rises, the possibility that water flows backward through the water supply pipe 410 a can be reduced.

The water faucet 400 has the other water supply pipe 410 b for introducing hot water into the water faucet main body 412, and the check valve 350 includes the check valve 350 b provided in the other water supply pipe 410 b. Therefore, even when the pressure on the downstream side rises, the possibility of a reverse flow of water through the water supply pipe 410 b can be reduced.

In the water faucet 400, the water faucet main body 412 has the coupling pipe 418 protruding from the side surface of the water faucet main body 412 and accommodated in the spout head 406. Therefore, replacement of the spout head 406 is easy, and the connection part with the inner pipe of the spout head is provided in a region protruding from the water faucet main body 412, even in a case where the connection part is not sufficiently in close contact, water leakage can found and corrected at an early stage.

Fifth Embodiment

Next, a water faucet 500 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 41 is a side view of the water faucet 500. FIG. 42 is a partial cross-sectional view of the water faucet 500 along a line A-A. The water faucet 500 is different from the water faucet 400 in that, instead of the check valve 350, a check valve 550 is provided in a water faucet main body 512, and that a buffer member 434 is provided between the spout head 406 and the water faucet main body 512. Other configurations are similar to those of the water faucet 400. Therefore, the different points will be mainly described, and overlapping descriptions are omitted. Similarly to the water faucet 400 of the fourth embodiment, the water faucet 500 of the fifth embodiment is structured to be replaceable from the spout head 406 without a water purification function to the other spout head 448 having a water purification function. The water faucet main body 512 has a similar structure corresponding to the water faucet main body 412, but is different in that the check valve 550 is provided. The water faucet main body 512 includes a support column 508, a rotator 404, and a coupling pipe 418.

[Check Valve]

Next, the check valve 550 will be described. The check valve 550 includes check valves 550 a and 550 b provided at a middle part of the support column 508 of the water faucet main body 512. The check valve 550 a is provided between a water passage 560 a on the upstream side and a water passage 560 b on the downstream side in the middle of a water passage 560 communicating with the water supply pipe 410 a. The check valve 550 b is provided between a water passage 561 a on the upstream side and a water passage 561 b on the downstream side in the middle of a water passage 561 communicating with the water supply pipe 410 b. Each of the check valves 550 a and 550 b includes a valve member 551, a valve seat member 552, a guide 554, a spring 555, an O-ring 556, and an O-ring 557. The valve member 551, the valve seat member 552, the guide 554, the spring 555, the O-ring 556, and the O-ring 557 correspond to the valve member 351, the valve seat member 352, the guide 354, the spring 355, the O-ring 356, and the O-ring 357, respectively, and include similar structures and perform similar operations. As a result, even in a case where the water faucet 500 is replaced with the other spout head 448 having a water purification function from the spout head 406 without a water purification function, a reverse flow of water to the upstream side can be suppressed.

[Buffer Member]

Next, the buffer member 434 will be described. FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the buffer member 434 of the water faucet 500. FIG. 43(a) is a perspective view of the buffer member 434 as viewed from a side. FIG. 43(b) is a perspective view of the buffer member 434 as viewed from a back side. The buffer member 434 is a rubber spacer provided between the water faucet main body 512 and the spout head 406. The buffer member 434 includes a cylindrical portion 434 b and an overhanging portion 434 c. The cylindrical portion 434 b is tubular and is coupled to the upstream side of the inner pipe 428. The overhanging portion 434 c overhangs in the radial direction from the upstream side of the cylindrical portion 434 b. The overhanging portion 434 c is provided with an abutting surface 436 and a curved edge 434 a which is a curved outer edge. The abutting surface 436 is a portion that abuts against the water faucet main body 512 at the end surface of the overhanging portion 434 c on the upstream side. The curved edge 434 a is a portion provided on the outer edge of the overhanging portion 434 c. In the water faucet 500, the outer shell 426 of the spout head 406 does not come into direct contact with the water faucet main body 512 but abuts against the water faucet main body 512 via the buffer member 434.

In the buffer member 434, the overhanging portion 434 c covers the end surface of the outer shell 426 on the water faucet main body 512 side. With this configuration, since the overhanging portion 434 c of the buffer member 434 is interposed in the gap between the water faucet main body 512 and the spout head 406, this gap becomes not noticeable, and thus the aesthetic appearance is improved. Particularly, by providing the overhanging portion 434 c of the buffer member 434 having flexibility in a clamping manner, it is possible to make the gap not noticeable. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the water faucet main body 512 is damaged by the spout head 406 when the spout head 406 is attached to or detached from the water faucet main body 512.

In the water faucet 500, the buffer member 434 is provided at an end part of the inner pipe 428 on the upstream side as a part of the inner pipe 428. The buffer member 434 has a shape covering the end surface of the outer shell 426. The buffer member 434 may be integrally formed with the inner pipe 428. The buffer member 434 may be separately formed and coupled to the inner pipe 428 by a means such as adhesion. The outer shell 426 of the spout head 406 faces the water faucet main body 512 via the buffer member 434.

The buffer member 434 may be a member having a higher elastic modulus than that of the outer shell 426. An abutting width T of an abutting surface 436 of the buffer member 434 is at least larger than the thickness of the outer shell 426. The abutting surface 436 of the buffer member 434 is processed into a curved surface shape corresponding to the curved surface shape of the water faucet main body 512. Therefore, it is possible to connect the spout head 406 and the water faucet main body 512 with a smooth appearance without a gap. Note that the abutting surface 436 of the buffer member 434 may have a curved surface shape matching the curved surface shape of the side surface of the water faucet main body 512.

Furthermore, since the spout head 406 is connected to the water faucet main body 512 via the elastic buffer member 434, the gap between the spout head 406 and the water faucet main body 512 can be smaller for closer contact. Moreover, since the abutting surface 436 is enlarged by increasing the abutting width T, the pressure accompanying the connection tends to be dispersed, and thus connecting the spout head 406 is unlikely to result in a damage in the water faucet main body 512.

Next, the shape of the edge of the buffer member 434 will be described. FIGS. 44A and 44B are schematic diagrams of the edge shape of the buffer member 434. FIG. 44A is a diagram illustrating the spout head 406 in the middle of attaching in a state where the abutting surface 436 is about to abut against the water faucet main body 512, but the protruding pipe 320 has not yet been completely accommodated in the accommodating part 310 of the spout head 406. FIG. 44B is a diagram illustrating the spout head 406 after attaching in a state where the abutting surface 436 abuts against the water faucet main body 512 and is pressed thereto. From the perspective of improving the appearance, it is preferable that a part of the buffer member 434 sticking out in appearance through the gap between the water faucet main body 512 and the spout head 406 is small. Therefore, in the water faucet 500, the buffer member 434 is provided with the curved edge 434 a which is a curved outer edge. In particular, a cross section of the curved edge 434 a has a rounded shape curled outwardly, and a tip portion 434 d faces the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 434 b. By providing the curved edge 434 a between the water faucet main body 512 and the spout head 406, elasticity at this part is increased, and the water faucet main body 512 and the spout head 406 can be brought into closer contact without a gap. In particular, by connecting while the curled portion of the curved edge 434 a is rolled, the gap between the spout head 406 and the water faucet main body 512 is filled, and the part sticking out in appearance can be reduced, thereby improving the appearance. As illustrated in FIG. 44B, the tip portion 434 d comes closer to the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 434 b in the state after attachment as compared to the state before attachment. Note that the curved edge 434 a may be annularly formed at the end part of the buffer member 434 or may be formed by cutting out a part thereof. The curved edge 434 a may be formed to have a tubular cross section.

The water faucet 500 structured in the above manner has the common structure with the water faucet 400, thereby having similar characteristics to those of the water faucet 400. In addition, since in the water faucet 500 the buffer member 434 is provided between the water faucet main body 512 and the spout head 406, the buffer member 434 is interposed in the gap between the water faucet main body 412 and the spout head 406. Thus, the gap becomes inconspicuous, and the aesthetic appearance is improved. In addition, since the buffer member 434 has the curved edge 434 a, the curved edge 434 a is interposed between the outer shell 426 and the water faucet main body 412, whereby the curved edge 434 a is brought into close contact with both of the two by the repulsive force. Therefore, the gap becomes more inconspicuous.

The present invention has been described above on the basis of the fourth and the fifth embodiments. These embodiments are merely illustration. Therefore, it should be understood by a person skilled in the art that various variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the claims and that those variations and modifications are also within the scope of the claims of the present invention. The descriptions and drawings herein are therefore to be regarded not in a limiting sense but in an illustrative sense.

In the description of the water faucet 400 of the fourth embodiment, the example in which the spout head 406 is attached to the water faucet main body 412 in a state of accommodating the protruding pipe 320 up to the base part thereof has been described; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. The spout head may be attached to the water faucet main body 412 in a state of accommodating a part of the protruding pipe.

In the description of the water faucet 400 of the fourth embodiment, an example in which the accommodating part 310 is provided in the spout head 406 and the protruding pipe 320 is provided in the water faucet main body 412 has been described; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. A protruding pipe may be provided in the spout head such that the protruding pipe is accommodated in the water faucet main body.

In the drawings used for the explanation, a cross-section of some of the members is hatched in order to clarify a relationship of members. The hatching does not limit the material or the quality of the material of these members. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A water faucet, comprising: a water faucet main body; and a spout head detachably attached to the water faucet main body, wherein the water faucet main body has a support column having a water path and a coupling pipe protruding in a radial direction of the support column, and the spout head is attached to the water faucet main body in a state of accommodating the coupling pipe.
 2. The water faucet according to claim 1, wherein the water faucet main body further comprises a rotator rotatably attached to the support column, and the coupling pipe is provided to the rotator.
 3. The water faucet according to claim 2, wherein an end part of the spout head abuts against an outer circumferential surface of the rotator when the spout head is attached to the water faucet main body.
 4. The water faucet according to claim 2, wherein the outer circumferential surface of the rotator has a curved surface shape, and a shape of a surface, of the spout head, facing the rotator corresponds to the curved surface shape of the rotator.
 5. The water faucet according to claim 3, wherein the end part of the spout head is covered with a buffer member, and the spout head abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the rotator via the buffer member.
 6. The water faucet according to claim 1, wherein the spout head has a structure in which an inner pipe forming a water supply passage is inserted into an outer shell, and the inner pipe accommodates the coupling pipe.
 7. A spout head detachably attached to a water faucet main body, wherein the spout head is connected to the water faucet main body so as to accommodate a coupling pipe protruding from the water faucet main body.
 8. The spout head according to claim 7, wherein the spout head is connected to the water faucet main body having a support column having a water path and a rotator rotatably attached to the support column and having the coupling pipe protruding in a radial direction, an end part of the spout head accommodates the coupling pipe, and the spout head is fixed to the water faucet main body with a fastener, inserted from an insertion port extending in a circumferential direction in an outer shell, gripping the coupling pipe.
 9. The spout head according to claim 7, wherein the spout head is connected to the water faucet main body having a support column having a water path and a rotator rotatably attached to the support column and having the coupling pipe protruding in a radial direction, the spout head has a structure in which an inner pipe forming a water supply passage is inserted in an outer shell, and the spout head is connected to the water faucet main body with the inner pipe accommodating the coupling pipe.
 10. A water faucet assembly method comprising: inserting, with respect to a water faucet main body including a support column having a water path and a rotator rotatably attached to the support column and having a coupling pipe protruding in a radial direction, the coupling pipe into a spout head such that an end part of the spout head faces an outer circumferential surface of the rotator; and inserting a fastener from an insertion port extending in a circumferential direction in an outer shell of the spout head and allowing the fastener to grip the coupling pipe.
 11. The water faucet according to claim 1, wherein the spout head is mounted to the water faucet main body in a state of accommodating the coupling pipe up to a base part of the coupling pipe.
 12. The water faucet according to claim 11, wherein a first and a second rotation restricting parts for restricting rotation of the spout head in the circumferential direction are formed on an outer surface of the coupling pipe and on an inner surface of the spout head, respectively.
 13. The spout head according to claim 7, wherein the spout head is detachably connected to the water faucet main body having the coupling pipe protruding from a side surface of the main body, and the spout head is mounted to the water faucet main body in a state of accommodating the coupling pipe up to a base part of the coupling pipe.
 14. The water faucet according to claim 1, wherein a tapered surface is formed on the outer surface of the coupling pipe, and the spout head is mounted to the water faucet main body in a state where an end part thereof faces the tapered surface of the coupling pipe.
 15. The water faucet according to claim 14, wherein a tapered surface is also formed at the end part of the spout head.
 16. The water faucet according to claim 15, wherein the spout head is mounted to the water faucet main body in a state where a part or all of the tapered surface of the spout head and the tapered surface of the coupling pipe abut against each other.
 17. The water faucet according to claim 14, wherein, inside the spout head, a first accommodating part having a first inner diameter is formed at an end part side thereof, and a second accommodating part having a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter is formed on a back side thereof.
 18. The spout head according to claim 7, wherein the spout head is detachably connected to the water faucet main body having the coupling pipe protruding from a side surface of the main body, the spout head has a double pipe structure in which an inner pipe accommodating the coupling pipe is inserted into an outer shell, and the inner pipe extends from a spout to an end part of the outer shell.
 19. The water faucet according to claim 1, wherein the spout head has a double pipe structure in which an inner pipe accommodating the coupling pipe is inserted in an outer shell, and the inner pipe extends from a spout to an end part of the outer shell.
 20. The water faucet according to claim 1, wherein the water faucet main body is structured to allow replacement from a spout head without a water purification function to another spout head with a water purification function. 